
THEWHITE CRYSTALS 


BY 

HOWARD R.GARIS 





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THE WHITE CRYSTALS 





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THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Being an Account of the Adventures 
of Two Boys 


BY 

HOWARD R. GARIS 

AUTHOR or “with FORCE AND ARMS,” “ THE KING OF UNADILLA,” 

“the whetstone of swords,” etc., etc. 


WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY 

BERTHA CORSON DAY 


BOSTON 

LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY 


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I .>CT 19 (904 

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, CLASS cC >>«>- No. 









Copyrighty igo4y 

By Little, Brown, and Company. 


All rights reserved 


Published October, 1904 




• • 

♦ c 

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THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A. 


TO 


MY SON ROGER 

THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 


CONTENTS 


Chapter Page 

I. The Doctor’s Advice 1 

II. The Salt City 11 

TII. A Test of Strength 20 

IV. In Deep Water 31 

V. Gathering the Honey 41 

VI. A Load of Grapes 51 

VII. Lost on the Mountain 61 

VIII. Fighting a Wild-cat 69 

IX. Out of the Woods 78 

X. Bad News 87 

XI. Copper and Old Bones 99 

XII. Jack Frost 110 

XIII. Lafayette Hill 121 

XIV. A Desperate Bace 131 

XV. Strangers in Town 141 

XVI. Queer Operations 151 

XVH. Roger Suspects 160 

XVIII. A Big Black Bear 169 

XIX. Roger makes Plans 177 

XX. Underneath the Ground 187 

XXI. Roger takes a Journey 196 

XXII. A Question of Law 208 

XXIH. The Plotters Foiled 220 

XXIV. Digging for Salt 229 

XXV. The Last Wrestling Match 237 



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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


“ ‘ No, sir,’ replied Mrs. Kimball, firmly, ‘ I won’t sign ’ ” Frontispiece 
“ Roger held up the fish pole so that Adrian could grasp it ” Page 38 

“ Its forepaws struck the boy on the shoulders ” .... “ 76 

“ The Cardiff sled left the beaten road, and plunged into the 

almost unbroken snow of the fields ” “137 

“ His heart beat suddenly at the idea which came to him ” . “188 

“ Then Roger began to raise the lead to the surface ” . . . “ 191 


X 

X 

X 



THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


CHAPTER I 

THE doctor’s advice 

Dr. Glasby looked over the rims of his spectacles at the 
boy before him. Then he glanced at Mr. Anderson, cleared 
his throat with a loud ahem ” that made Roger start, and 
said, very ponderously : 

Well ? ” asked Mr. Anderson, a little anxious tone 
coming into his voice, what ’s the verdict, doctor % ” 

‘‘ Um ! ” said the physician again. Hothing very 
serious, Mr. Anderson. Roger, here, is a little run down, 
that ’s all. He ’s been studying too hard, his eyes are a 
trifle weak, muscles flabby, and his blood has n’t enough of 
the good red stuff in it. In short, he must live out of 
doors for a year or so, and then I ’ll guarantee he will come 
back with red cheeks and a pair of arms that will make you 
proud of him. Eh, Roger ? ” and Dr. Glasby pinched the 
rather small and soft biceps of the boy, smiling the while, 
good naturedly. 

Ho disease, then, doctor ? ” from Mr. Anderson. 

Hothing, my dear sir, except a general poor condition 
of the system.” 


1 


2 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Don’t he need medicine, a tonic, or something ? His 
mother and I are quite worried about him.” 

i^'ot a drop of medicine for this patient,” exclaimed 
Dr. Glasby. Fresh air, fresh country air, and more air. 
That ’s all.” 

The physician turned aside to replace the apparatus he 
had used; the stethoscope, with which he had listened to 
the beating of Roger’s heart, the eye-testing mirrors and 
lights, and the lung-cylinder, into which the boy had blown 
more feebly than Dr. Glasby had liked to see. 

Then your prescription is — ? ” began Mr. Anderson. 
Have him drop his hooks and studies, stop school, at 
least for a year, and get out into the country. You ’ll have 
to see for yourself that it is put up, for no drug store could 
supply those ingredients. Can you arrange it ? ” 

I think so, doctor. I ’ll try, anyhow,” and, with a 
hearty handshake, while his face wore a more relieved look 
than when he entered the office, Mr. Anderson left Dr. 
Glasby, taking Roger with him. 

The journey home was rather a quiet one between Roger 
and his father. They boarded a surface car on Broadway, 
and, as it swung along through the turmoil of this principal 
'New York street, they were thinking of what they had just 
heard. Moving now fast and now slow, according to the 
obstructions of trucks on the tracks, the car clanged on its 
way. Once it stopped short, suddenly, to allow a spark- 
emitting fire engine and a swaying truck with long ladders 
to dash by to a blaze. Then Roger leaped to his feet, 
watching, as long as possible, the exciting rush of the red- 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


3 


helmeted and rubber-coated men, his eyes brightening as 
he noted the plunging, rearing horses. 

Let ’s get out and go to the fire ! ’’ he called to his 
father. 

Not now, son,’’ answered Mr. 'Anderson. Your 
mother will be anxious to hear what Dr. Glasby said, and 
we don’t want to delay and cause her worry, you know.” 

All right,” agreed Koger, with just a little disappoint- 
ment in his tone, for he did want to see the fire. But he 
soon forgot that in wondering what would happen if he 
did n’t have to go to school for a whole year. The sugges- 
tion contained such possibilities that he was lost in a maze 
with plans of what he would do with his time. 

Meanwhile the car continued along more rapidly, and 
it was not a great while before father and son reached 
home. Then, as Boger helped his five-year-old brother 
Edward to build a castle out of blocks, Mr. Anderson told 
his wife the result of the visit to Dr. Glasby. She was 
much relieved when she learned there was nothing serious 
the matter with her son, and there was a happy look in her 
eyes as she glanced at her two boys playing together on the 
floor. 

The Andersens lived in a large but pleasant apartment 
house on the west side,” as it is called in New York. It 
was on Thirty-third Street, just west of Ninth Avenue, 
along which thoroughfare the elevated railroad passed. It 
was so near this, that in warm weather, when the windows 
were open nights, Boger could hear the rattle of the trains 
and the clatter and hum of the electric motor cars. In 


4 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


fact it was quite a noisy place, where Roger lived, but no 
one in the neighborhood seemed to mind it, or, if they did, 
they had grown so used to it that they never spoke of it. 
Of course there was no yard, and no place to play, except 
in the street, for space is too valuable in 'Ne^v York to 
have yards to houses. But there was the flat roof of the 
big apartment, where scores of families lived, and Roger 
and his boy friends sometimes enjoyed their sports up 
there. 

Roger Anderson was just past his flfteenth year, rather 
small for his age, and not nearly as strong and sturdy as 
his parents wished he was. Lately his eyes had been 
troubling him, and he had complained of frequent head- 
aches. He was in his first season at high school, and 
what, with taking up Latin and algebra, two new worlds 
of study for the boy, he had been rather closely applied to 
his books at night. As he was ambitious he threw himself 
into the vim of learning with an energy that was pleasing 
to his parents and teachers, though it had a bad effect on 
his health. Ror, after a few weeks of school, it was noticed 
that he was failing in energy. There were many days 
when, in spite of his desire, he felt disinclined to go to his 
classes, and he was troubled with dizziness. In short he 
seemed in such poor shape that Mr. Anderson determined 
on a visit to Dr. Glasby, the old family physician. That 
night, after the consultation with the medical man, when 
Roger had gone to bed, his father and mother sat up to 
talk the matter over. 

I donT like to think of his losing a yearns schooling,’’ 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 6 

said Mr. Anderson, as lie thought how valuable education 
was. 

Better that than to have him get really ill and have 
to stop altogether,’’ replied Mrs. Anderson. 

Both were silent a few minutes, turning the question 
over in their minds. 

I suppose we should follow Dr. Glasby’s advice as soon 
as possible,” said Mrs. Anderson, at length. I wonder 
what we ought to do. Where can we send him ? Oh dear ! 
I don’t at all like the idea of his going away from us. I 
just know he ’ll sit about in damp shoes, and his buttons 
will all come off, for they are always loose, and no one 
to sew them on.” 

Well,” said Mr. Anderson, a little twinkle in his eyes, 
losing buttons is n’t to be compared to having one’s health 
break down, and, as for wet shoes, he can take pairs enough 
along to change whenever he gets in the water. Still I 
must confess I don’t like to think of Eoger being away 
from us, but he ’ll have to leave home some day, I suppose, 
and there ’s nothing like getting used to it. I went away 
from my home when I was fourteen years old.” 

It was different when you were a hoy,” said Mrs. 
Anderson, and her husband smiled, while he wondered how 
it was. 

Where do you suppose we can send him ? ” went on 
Mr. Anderson. Dr. Glasby says a year in the country. 
Now we can’t afford to pay heavy expenses, yet I am 
determined the boy shall have a free run in the fresh air, 
and live out doors for a change.” 


6 THE WHITE CRYSTALS 

I 

Mrs. Anderson thought for a moment. 

I have it ! ’’ she cried, suddenly. He can go to his 
Uncle Bert’s, at Cardiff. It will be the very thing for him, 
and when you get your vacation next summer we can all 
go up there and see him.” 

Mr. Anderson hesitated a minute, for that idea had never 
come to him. 

I believe it will be a good plan,” he said heartily. 

Yes, I ’m sure it will. I ’m glad you thought of it. 
We ’ll send Roger to Cardiff.” 

Thus it was settled that Roger was to give up his studies, 
which announcement, when he heard it next morning, made 
him both glad and sorry. 

It was a fine day in October, and school had been in 
session a little more than a month of the fall term. The 
visit to the doctor had been made on Saturday. Sunday 
was spent in talking over the subject more fully in the 
Anderson household, and in writing a letter to Albertus 
Kimball, Esq., Cardiff, Onondaga County, H. Y.” This 
man was Mrs. Anderson’s farmer brother. On Monday, 
instead of going to school, Roger accompanied his father 
down town, where they did considerable shopping in the 
way of buying some clothing and underwear for the boy’s 
outfit. Mr. Anderson also got a stout valise, and filled it 
with articles he thought his son might need. Then, rather 
tired with tramping about, they had dinner in a busy 
restaurant on Barclay Street, much to Roger’s delight, for 
he seldom ate in such places, and it was quite a treat to 
order just what he liked best. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


7 


After lunch Mr. Anderson went to the high school 
where his son was enrolled, to give notice to the principal 
of Roger’s withdrawal. 

They arrived just before school assembled for the after- 
noon session, and, while Mr. Anderson was talking with 
Mr. Blake, the principal, Roger wandered into the familiar 
court-yard, where he met a number of classmates. 

“ Going to leave, eh ? ” they all questioned as the news 
got around. Say, Roger, you ’re a lucky chap. I wish 
my father would take me out of school.” 

“ I believe I ’d rather stay,” said Roger. 

Oh, cut that out ! What you giving us ! ” called 
several, sincerely, if not politely. 

I would, really,” insisted Roger, and he honestly 
meant it, though he could not help feeling a little important 
over the small excitement he was creating among his com- 
panions. Still he did like his studies very much, for he 
was just beginning to appreciate the inspiration of Virgil, 
the wonders of the science work, and the sturdy exactness 
of algebraic equations. 

A few minutes later Mr. Anderson came out of Mr. 
Blake’s oflSce, and the two men walked over to where 
Roger stood. Mr. Blake shook hands with him, gravely, 
and, while expressing regret that his pupil was leaving 
school, agreed that it was best, under the circumstances. 
He hoped to see Roger back again, he said, much improved 
in health, and, with cheery good-byes from his companions, 
the boy walked out of the school-yard with his father. 
There was just the trace of tears in Roger’s eyes, which he 


8 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


hoped his father would n^t see, for, after all, it was rather 
hard to leave such a lot of fine chums as he had. 

For the next few days there were busy times in the 
Anderson home. Such an overhauling of Roger’s clothes, 
such a sewing on of buttons, double strong, almost enough 
for a small army of hoys, such a darning of stockings, and 
a mending of rents in coats and trousers, and such admoni- 
tion and advice as his mother gave him, from never for- 
getting to say his prayers, to not neglecting to clean his 
teeth. For he had never been away from his parents 
before, in all his short life, and it was a momentous 
occasion. 

The novelty of the affair, and the anticipation of adven- 
tures in store for him, kept Roger from thoughts that he 
might possibly be lonesome or homesick, after he had 
started away. Under the stimulus of preparation he even 
began to feel better in health. His pale cheeks showed a 
little color, and his head had not ached since he had been 
to the doctor’s. 

On Thursday a letter came from Uncle Bert, telling 
Mrs. Anderson to send Roger right along ; that they would 
all try to make him comfortable and happy. So it was 
arranged he was to start next Monday night, and, to Mrs. 
Anderson, the time, until then, seemed altogether too short, 
though, boylike, Roger thought the intervening days would 
never pass. His ticket had been purchased, his valise 
packed, and by Sunday night everything was in readiness. 
At church that day the boy felt his eyes grow a little misty 
as the choir sang the solemn songs, but he made up his mind 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


9 


that he must play the part of a man now, at least as far 
as appearances went. So he gulped down the lump in his 
throat. 

The train was to leave the Grand Central Station of the 
ISTew York Central Railroad at nine o’clock Monday night. 
The last arrangements had been made, and Mr. Anderson 
prepared to accompany his son to the depot. 

Bwing me back suffin’ nice, Roggy,” called little 
Edward, sleepily, as he put up his cheek to be kissed. 

“ I will, Eddie, I will,” said Roger, his voice trembling 
a bit, in spite of his determination to be firm. He cuddled 
his baby brother close to him. 

How be very careful, my boy,” said Mrs. Anderson, 
for at least the twentieth time. Clean your teeth every 
day, and change your shoes as soon as you get your feet 
wet.” 

Her motherly eyes showed a suspicious brilliancy, and 
her voice was not as steady as it usually sounded. She 
hugged Roger closely to her, and gave him a kiss that he 
long remembered, and then, with a broken good-bye, she 
turned and went into the house, while Roger and Mr. 
Anderson started for the station. 

They stepped out briskly, boarded a surface car, and 
were soon rattling toward Eorty-second Street, where the 
depot was located. Roger was to take a train for Syracuse, 
a city twelve miles from Cardiff, to which village he would 
go by wagon or stage. There was plenty of time before 
nine o’clock, but Mr. Anderson believed in being a little 
ahead of a train, instead of behind it. He did n’t give his 


10 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


son much advice, for he knew Mrs. Anderson had said all 
there was to say, and he realized that Roger was a hoy who 
did n’t need to be cautioned after what his mother had told 
him. 

The train Roger was to go in had already been made up, 
and the porter showed him to his place in the sleeping-car, 
where he had a lower berth. 

Row, my boy,” said Mr. Anderson, looking at his 
watch, you have ten minutes before starting time. I 
think I ’ll leave you, as you are in good shape here, and 
I want to get back to your mother. I know you will get 
along nicely, and I need n’t say I know you ’ll do what ’s 
right, at all times, for I ’m sure you will. Your Uncle 
Bert will meet you in Syracuse, when you arrive there in 
the morning, and you don’t have to change cars. The 
porter will look after you occasionally. Row, good-bye,” 
and with a hearty hand-shake Mr. Anderson left Roger 
alone. 


CHAPTER II 


THE SALT CITY 

With a toot of the whistle, a squeak of the wheels and a 
sharp hissing, as the air brakes were released, the train 
started. The journey was uneventful, no delays or acci- 
dents occurring to mar it. About eleven o’clock the porter 
made up Roger’s berth, and, though the boy wondered at 
the novelty of a bed on what looked much like a shelf, he 
soon fell asleep, and did not wake up until the sun was 
a half hour high, which time found him within a few miles 
of Syracuse. 

The colored porter, grinning expansively and good 
naturedly, for he had been well remembered by Mr. 
Anderson, brought Roger a steaming hot cup of coffee, 
which was most agreeable. 

What time do we get in ? ” asked the boy traveller 
as he sipped the beverage. 

We ’d ought a’ be in at 7.42,” replied the colored 
man, but we ’s a leetle late this mornin’, sah. Probably 
we ’ll arrive ’bout eight o’clock. Peelin’ purty peart this 
mornin’, sah ? ” 

Yes, I do feel pretty good,” replied Roger, who really 
did seem better than he had in some weeks. I did n’t 
think I ’d sleep much, but I did.” 


12 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Oh, these here is great beds fo’ sleepinV^ commented 
the porter, grinning once more, and causing Roger to 
wonder, if he smiled any larger, whether the top of his 
head would n’t come off. 

It was just ten minutes past eight when the train rolled 
along one of the main streets of Syracuse, and into the 
dingy depot, near the centre of the city. Roger was out 
on the vestibuled platform before the wheels stopped 
screeching under the force of the brakes. He was watch- 
ing among the crowd under the shed for a tall man, with 
a big nose, a light sandy moustache and bright blue eyes, 
for thus his mother had described his Uncle Bert to him. 
He looked at several men. 

The first one had everything but the blue eyes. The 
second one all the characteristics save the sandy moustache. 
But the third man, on whom he fixed his attention, Roger 
knew was Mr. Kimball. He waved his hand, and was glad 
to see the man wave back. The next minute the train 
stopped, and the blue-eyed uncle was ready to reach up for 
his nephew. 

Is this here Roger Anderson ? ” came from beneath 
the light sandy moustache, in a pleasant though high- 
pitched voice. 

I ’m Roger; are you Uncle Bert ? ” asked the boy. 

Wa’al, I reckon thet ’s what ! Guessed ye th’ fust time, 
didn’t I,” and this fact seemed to give Mr. Kimball so 
much pleasure that he laughed with a heartiness which 
made several smile. 

Wa’al now, but d’ ye know, I ’m glad t’ see ye ! Ye ’re 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


13 


a leetle late, but land love ye, cornin’ three hunderd miles 
is no joke. I calalate I ’d be a trifle behindhand myself. 
hTow, let ’s hev yer satchel, ’n’ we ’ll go ’n’ git some break- 
fust. I ain’t eat yit. Ye see I come out from Cardiff 
yist’day, hevin’ t’ do some tradin’, ’n’ I stayed over night 
at th’ Candee House, so ’s t’ be on hand t’ meet ye. I told 
th’ waiter at my table I ’d hev a hungry boy back ’ith me 
soon. Ye be hungry, ain’t ye ? ” with rather an anxious 
look at Koger. 

Well, not so very,” admitted the boy, wondering a 
little at the strange sounding talk of his uncle, who spoke 
the central Hew York farmers’ homely but comprehensive 
dialect. 

Oh, shucks now ! ” exclaimed Mr. Kimball. I were 
calalatin’ on seein’ ye race ’ith me eatin’ ham ’n’ eggs ’n’ 
bread ’n’ butter,” and he seemed a bit disappointed. 

Howsomever we ’ll remedy thet when we git ye out t’ 
Cardiff. ’Fore ye ’ve been thar a week I ’ll hev ye eatm’ 
salt-risin’ bread, covered ’ith butter ’n’ honey — say ’j 
ever tackle real fresh salt-risin’ bread, spread thick ’ith 
nice brown buckwheat honey, right outen th’ hives ? ” 

I never did,” confessed Koger. 

Wa’al, then, ye ’ve got a lot a’ pleasure ahead on ye,” 
remarked Mr. Kimball, thet ’s all I ’ve got t’ say. But 
Land o’ Goshen, here I be talkin’, ’stid a leadin’ th’ way 
t’ th’ hotel. Come ’long now, ’t ain’t fer,” and they started 
off in lively fashion, while Koger wondered what sort of 
a man his uncle was. 

Though he did not eat a hearty meal, the boy, under the 


14 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


eyes of Mr. Kimball, made out quite a breakfast, while 
his companion put away a hearty one, with evident relish. 
The waiter was kept busy, and Eoger wondered vaguely 
how a man could drink so many cups of coffee as his uncle 
did ; no less than four large ones being disposed of. 

We don’t start back ’til three o’clock,” said Mr. Kim- 
ball, using his napkin rapidly. Porter Amidown’s stage 
leaves then. I ’d a druv out ’ith th’ Democrat wagin, but 
it needs a new wheel, so I calalated I ’d better come in ’n’ 
go out by th’ stage.” 

Is that Democratic too ? ” asked Eoger, who, like 
nearly every Kew York boy, was of the political faith of 
his father, who was a Eepublican. 

Democrat ? Th’ stage Democrat ? Land no. Porter ’s 
a rip-snortin’ Prohib. Oh, I see, ye thought my wagin 
was a Democrat one, ’stid a’ bein’ Eepublican. Ha! ha! 
WTiy we call them vehicles thet name, not ’cause they ’re in 
politics, but jist t’ hev a way a’ speakin’ ’bout ’em, thet ’s 
all, same ’s a phaeton er runabout. Th’ stage a Democrat ! 
Ho! ho! Don’t ye let Porter hear ye say thet,” and Mr. 
Kimball seemed quite tickled over Eoger’s natural mistake. 

So ’s we don’t start back ’til three o’clock,” he went on, 
occasionally chuckling over the joke, we ’ll hev some 
time t’ do a leetle tradin’, fer I did n’t finish yist’day. 
Thet ’ll give ye a chanst t’ look around th’ city. Ade, he ’s 
yer cousin, ye know, wanted me t’ bring him ’long, but 
I calalated there ’d be trouble ef I did, so I left him hum. 
He ’d want ye t’ rassal right here in th’ street.” 

Eassal ? ” inquired Eoger, wondering what was meant. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


15 


Yep, rassal. Ketch ’s ketch kin, collar ’n’ elbow, ye 
know. Ade ’s dead set on rassalin’. Do ye do it much ? 

Ko,” said Roger, “ I ’m not much good at wrestling,’’ 
and he began to be a little apprehensive as to the character 
of his cousin Adrian. 

Wa’al, ye ’ll hev t’ rassal ’ith him when ye git hum,” 
remarked Mr. Kimball, as if it was the most natural thing 
in the world. He ’s allers a rassalin’ all th’ boys, th’ 
hired men, ’n’ so on.” 

Is he pretty strong ? ” asked Roger. 

Tol’able, jest tol’able,” replied Mr. Kimball. But 
ye need n’t worry, he ’ll let ye alone ef he finds out he 
kin throw ye. He never rassals th’ second time ’ith any- 
body he kin throw, lessen it ’s fer practice. He ’s allers 
tryin’ t’ tackle some un a leetle better ’n’ what he is. 
Wants t’ git a reputation, he says. His mother says he 
wants t’ git a busted neck, ’n’ say, d’ ye know,” and Mr. 
Kimball whispered, sometimes I think she ’s more ’n’ 
half right, I do, honest Injun, I do,” and he shook his 
head warningly. 

Wa’al, I guess we might ’s well be goin’,” he remarked, 
after a pause, and he led the way from the dining-room. 

Mr. Kimball had several places where he wanted to 
do some trading. He had to buy some dress goods for his 
wife, a book for Adrian, some sewing silk for his daughter 
Clara, and some tools for himself. He finished by noon, 
and after dinner he asked Roger if he did n’t want to pay 
a visit to the salt works, for which Syracuse is noted. 


16 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Indeed, I ’d like to go, first rate,” said the boy. 

So they walked up to the northern part of the pretty 
town, where, stretched out in the sun, were the big shallow 
wooden vats for the evaporation of the brine which was 
pumped into them. On the way through the works Mr. 
Kimball explained how the salt springs were underneath 
the ground on which they were walking, and how the brine 
was brought to the surface of the earth by machinery. 
Then it was left for the sun to draw off the water, leav- 
ing behind the shining particles that formed the salt of 
commerce. 

The place was filled with buildings, large and small, 
with pumps, engines and vats, with sheds about which 
hurried scores of men, and Eoger took a great interest 
looking at everything. He never knew before what a lot 
of salt came from Syracuse, nor what an important indus- 
try it was in the trade of the world, and particularly of 
Hew York State. 

My, but we ’ll hev t’ hustle,” remarked Mr. Kiniball, 
suddenly, looking at his big silver watch. It ’s nigh 
two o’clock, ’n’ Porter leaves at three smack. I guess we ’ll 
postpone the rest a’ th’ salt investigation ’til another time.” 

So Eoger and his uncle made a hurried trip to the 
Candee House, from which the stage started. They 
reached it with about five minutes to spare, which Mr. 
Kimball used in getting together his packages and Eoger’s 
baggage, and putting them all snugly in the lumbering 
vehicle. As he finished, the stage driver came out to see 
to the hitching up of the horses. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


IT 


Porter, this is my nephew I were tellin’ ye of,” said 
Mr. Kimball. 

Mr. Amidown looked Roger over carefully. 

Leetle spindlin’, ain’t he ? ” he suggested after a pause. 

Wa’al, he ain’t ’s stout’s he will he when we git through 
’ith him,” replied Mr. Kimball with a hearty laugh, as he 
poked Porter playfully in the ribs. Then he helped Roger 
up to the high seat, and followed nimbly himself. There 
was a crack of the long whip, a rattle of the harness chains, 
a rumble of the wheels and the stage started off. 

There were several other passengers making the trip 
from Syracuse by stage that day, but Roger and his uncle 
were the only ones on the outside. The big wagon rolled 
along, first on the asphalt streets, under tall elm and maple 
trees that lined the thoroughfares, where the houses were 
so close together that they reminded the boy of Kew York. 
Then the residences became more scattered, and farther 
and farther apart, as the suburbs were reached. 

During the early part of the journey Porter was too 
busy guiding his team of horses in and out among other 
vehicles to do much talking. Mr. Kimball was engaged 
in looking over an account book, and making notes of his 
recent purchases, with the amounts they cost, and so was 
too much occupied to talk. Thus Roger was left to him- 
self for a while. He was much interested in all that he 
saw, though of course the city sights were almost like 
those of Hew York, except there was not the same bustle 
and excitement, nor such big, towering buildings. 

2 


18 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


But when he came into the pretty suburbs it was dif- 
ferent. The air was pure and fresh, and the wind was 
just cool enough to be delightful that October afternoon. 
Soon the horses were jogging along, the reins flapping 
loose on their broad backs. Mr. Kimball, putting up his 
account book, turned to Porter, and asked : 

How ’s everything in Cardiff ? ’’ 

Oh, so-so,” replied Mr. Amidown. AinT changed 
much sence ye come out yist’day.” 

Ko, I don’t calalate it has bed much chanst,” agreed 
Mr. Kimball. 

Then the two men began to talk of crops, of cows and 
horses, of the farm of this one and the garden of that one, 
the grape and the honey outlook, until Roger wondered 
how they could remember so many different names and tho 
kinds of things that grew. 

Finally Mr. Kimball bethought himself that his nephew 
might he lonesome, with no one to talk to, so he turned his 
attention to the boy, and told him of the country through 
which they were passing. He showed him where Enos 
Jones had a good field of wheat, and where Kathan 
Parks was expecting to gather in a fine yield of corn, and 
so on, until the city hoy felt some of the importance of 
farming, and how much the people of this country depend 
on it. 

The stage rumbled on, up hill and down dale, along 
the twelve miles. About five o’clock they came within sight 
of the white-spired church of Cardiff, and it was not long 
before they reached the outskirts of the village. The big 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


19 


vehicle stopped at the post-office. Porter threw offi a hag 
of mail, called to the horses to resume their pulling again, 
and, five minutes later he drew up in front of a comfortable 
farmhouse, in the yard of which stood a pleasant-faced 
woman and a hoy about Roger’s age. 


CHAPTER III 


A TEST OF STEENGTH 

Hey, Pop ! Have you brought him ? ” shouted the sturdy 
youngster whom Roger looked down at from the top of the 
stage. It seemed to him as if the boy was inquiring for 
some new kind of wild animal. 

He ’s here all right, Ade,’’ replied Mr. Kimball, as he 
assisted his nephew do^vn. He ’s on time t’ th’ minute, 
’n’ I hope yer mother ’s got suthin’ good fer us both t’ 
eat.’’ 

Land sakes ! Allers thinkin’ a’ suthin’ t’ put in yer 
stomach,” exclaimed Mrs. Kimball, laughing as she came 
forward to meet Roger and give him a hearty kiss. 

Here ! You two boys git acquainted,” commanded 
Mr. Kimball, and he and his wife stood aside until Roger 
could advance and meet his country cousin. Adrian and 
Roger were about the same age, and, though they were 
both nearly of equal height, Adrian was the more sturdy 
of the two, and it was easily seen what an advantage he 
had because of his life in the open air. He was tanned, 
and as brown as a butternut on his hands and face, and 
there was a clearness to his skin and a brightness to his 
eyes that Roger lacked, for the latter was pale, and his 
eyes showed the effects of hard study. Perhaps for a 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


21 


minute the two boys sized each other up, almost like two 
dogs that meet for the first time, and when each is uncer- 
tain as to the other’s intention. 

Roger held out his hand, and Adrian took it in a firm 
grasp, shaking it up and down, pump-handle fashion. 

Can you wrestle ? ” asked the country boy suddenly. 
It was his first greeting. 

A little,” admitted Roger, “ but I have n’t had much 
chance at it. I know I ’m not very good.” 

Come on, then ; right here in the grass,” said Adrian. 
He started peeling off his coat. 

Hot now, wait until arter supper,” commanded Mr. 
Kimball. Why, Ade,” he went on, I ’m ashamed on 
ye. Don’t ye know Roger ’s bin travellin’ a good while, ’n’ 
he ain’t bed much rest. I ’m s’prised at ye. ’T ain’t fair 
t’ rassal now.” 

I ’d just as soon,” broke in Roger. I never claimed 
to be much of a wrestler, but I ’m not afraid to try.” 

He made up his mind he was not going to be stumped 
by any boy of his own age, in a test of strength, without 
an endeavor. So off came his coat in a hurry. 

Which way are you used to ? ” asked Adrian. 

Oh, I ’m not particular.” 

Well, catch-as-catch-can then,” said the country boy, 
advancing toward Roger slowly. 

It would seem that the two were hardly a match for 
each other, since the life Adrian led had made him much 
more sturdy than was his cousin. At the same time, though 
Roger was not as strong and well set-up as a lad of his age 


22 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


should have been, he was of wiry frame and quick on his 
feet. So, after all, the contest might not be so one-sided 
as it appeared at first. 

For a minute the two boys circled about each other, 
looking for an opening. They had their hands extended, 
seeking for good holds, and ready to break any too dan- 
gerous grip on the part of the other. Their faces were 
set, and their eyes brightened with excitement, but, as it 
was all in fun, there was not a trace of anger. 

Suddenly Adrian reached out and caught Koger’s left 
hand with his own left. At the same moment he tried to 
get his right arm about the city boy^s neck. But Eoger 
was too quick for him, and, instead of gaining this advan- 
tage, Adrian found himself circled about by Roger^s arm. 
Then there was a straining of muscles ; the two boys closed 
in a tight grip, and the struggle was on. 

Mr. Kimball watched them with great delight, for he 
was fond of a contest of this kind ; but his wife, while used 
to the rough play of her own boy with his comrades, was 
somewhat alarmed for the effects of the wrestling on her 
nephew, whose frame was not trained to such rough exer- 
cise, she thought. However, she said nothing, thinking 
there was not much likelihood of any serious harm result- 
ing from the tussle. The most that might happen would 
be a good shaking up, and soreness. 

The boys were now wrestling away in earnest. To Eoger 
it was no surprise to feel the sturdy muscles of his oppo- 
nent, but it was some small wonder to Adrian to find 
Eoger meeting his advance with a force he did not expect 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


23 


was in his oonsin’s rather thin arms. At first Adrian 
tried to duck his head out from the encircling hold of 
Roger. When he could not succeed in this he endeavored 
to pull the city hoy off his feet. That was of little avail, 
for Roger was lighter than Adrian, and shuffled quickly 
about on the grass. 

iWhen a few minutes of this pulling and hauling had 
passed, the boys were panting a little, and breathing 
rapidly. Feeling the need of wind, Roger, for a short 
while, acted solely on the defensive. Then, seeing he was 
not making out as poorly as he feared he would, he ven- 
tured to try something on the offence. He put out his 
right leg, and planted it firmly behind that of Adrian’s, 
and then tried to push his cousin over it backward, thinking 
to throw him in this fashion. 

If Roger could have seen the smile that came over 
Adrian’s face as he did this, perhaps he would not have 
been so ready to try the old trick. The country boy let 
himself be shoved over, ever so slightly. He even became 
limp in his opponent’s hands, and Roger thought he saw 
victory most unexpectedly before him. 

Wa’al, ef Roger ain’t a goin’ t’ throw him!” ex- 
claimed Mr. Kimball, though not displeased because he 
was going to see his own son defeated. Go at him, 
Roger 1 ” he cried. You ’re th’ stuff ! ” 

Then suddenly Adrian’s body stiffened out. His arms 
that had been limp became rigid. From tilting backward 
he straightened up. He twisted his neck from the crook 
of Roger’s arm, grabbed his cousin by the shoulders, shifted 


24 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


rapidly on his feet, and, with a quick push, sent Eoger 
over backward, pinning him squarely upon his back on 
the sod. 

A fair fall ! A fair fall ! ” cried Mr. Kimball, dancing 
about like a youngster himself. I thought ye had him, 
Eoger, but he fooled ye. Guess ye ’ll hev t’ eat a leetle 
mite more, ’fore ye kin throw him,” and the farmer 
chuckled in delight. 

Eoger got up from the ground. He was smiling slightly, 
but there was a determined look on his face that was good 
to see, for it showed he had met defeat bravely, and was 
not daunted by it. 

That ’s one,” he said, breathing a trifle hard. Maybe 
I ’ll do better next time. Are you ready ? ” and he stood 
waiting for another trial. 

What. ! Do you want to go at it again ? ” asked Adrian, 
somewhat surprised. 

Of course,” answered Eoger. And if you throw 
me this time I ’ll try once more, and then to-morrow, and 
next day, and the next, until I ’ve thrown you ! ” 

That ’s th’ way t’ talk ! ” exclaimed Mr. Kimball. 

That ’s what I like t’ hear. Kever say die ! ” and he 
capered about as wild as a boy. 

Paw, how you talk ! ” said Mrs. Kimball. Them 
hoys sha’n’t rassal any more t’night. Adrian, I ’m s’prised 
at ye, thro win’ yer cousin that has jest come out t’ see 
ye.” 

Oh, he ’s game, mother. He don’t care,” replied 
Adrian, smiling, and much pleased at Eoger’s pluck. ‘^But 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 25 

we won’t try any more falls right away,” he added. I ’ll 
give yon another chance, though, Roger.” 

Wa’al, I guess thet ’s th’ best view t’ take,” said Mr. 
Kimball. Ye know ye come out here t’ Cardiff, Roger, 
t’ git fattened up, ’n’ ye won’t do thet ef ye keep on ras- 
salin’. I guess I ’ll declare a flag a’ truce. Kow mind,” 
and his voice became stern, no more rassalin’ ’til I give ye 
leave. Ef ye want t’ rassal, Ade, ye ’ll hev t’ take on some 
un else.” 

All right, dad,” replied Adrian, good naturedly. 

Roger said nothing, but he made up his mind that, 
though the contest was postponed for a while, he would not 
rest until he had thrown his cousin in a fair struggle. Eor 
the time, however, he was satisfied to wait. 

Come on ’n’ wash up fer supper ! ” cried Mr. Kimball, 
as the boys were putting on their coats. Land a’ Goshen, 
I ’m ’s hungry ’s th’ b’ar what sees his shadder on Candle- 
mas Day. Come on, Roger, ’n’ I ’ll interduce ye t’ yer 
cousin Clara, ’n’ let ye set yer teeth in some a’ th’ finest 
salt-risin’ bread in Cardiff, ’n’ th’ best buckwheat honey 
growed in Onondaga County,” and he started for the house, 
followed by the two boys and Mrs. Kimball, who began 
to ask Roger a score of questions about his father and 
mother and the baby, which the boy answered as best he 
could. 

Eor the first time since he had alighted from the stage 
Roger had a chance to look about him. The comfortable 
large farmhouse, painted white with green shutters, stood 
on the east side of the road, which ran along the edge of 


26 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


the beautiful Onondaga valley. Behind the house rose a 
gently sloping hill, on the sunny declivities of which was 
a large vineyard, belonging to Mr. Kimball. In front of 
the house was a stretch of fields, forming the bottom part 
of the valley, and some of these broad acres belonged to 
Adrian’s father. The valley was about three miles wide, 
and, if one should walk across that space he would come to 
the opposite hills that framed it in, towering up, with 
densely wooded sides, broken here and there with little 
farm clearings. It was a most pleasant place to live, Roger 
thought. He paused for a minute, and turned to look at 
the view behind him. 

The sun was just sinking down behind the topmost trees 
of the western hills, and the slanting beams, sifting through 
the red and yellow leaves of the autumn forest, caused the 
woods to appear as if they were blazing with golden fire. 
The beauty of the sunset made all pause to look at it, and 
Roger was sure he had never before seen such a happy, 
calm, peaceful valley as the one in the centre of which 
nestled the village of Cardiff. 

The Kimball house was of the large roomy kind the early 
farmers built, with tall white pillars supporting the roof 
of the front porch, on top of which was a balcony. A 
gravel driveway passed along the south side of the building 
leading to the barn in the rear. Instead of going in the 
front door, which was, as is usual in the country, seldom 
opened, Mr. Kimball led the way around the side. Roger, 
following, heard the splash of running water, and, turning 
the corner, he saw a pipe spouting a sparkling stream which 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


27 


fell into a big basin, chiselled out of a single solid stone. 
This was right at the side door of the house. 

Thar ! exclaimed Mr. Kimball, thar, Roger, you ’ll 
find thet th’ best water in th’ State. Kothin’ like it at 
Saratogy er Kew York City. It comes from a spring right 
up thar on my hill, ’n’ we ’re th’ fust family t’ git it, jest 
’s it bubbles up from th’ ground. Here ! ” taking down the 
half of an empty cocoanut shell, which served as a dipper, 
here, sample it,” and he let the spout fill the brown vessel 
with the babbling, laughing water. 

Roger drank deep of the refreshing liquid, for he was 
thirsty from the long drive, and, when he handed back the 
empty dipper, with a grateful breath of contentment, his 
uncle needed no better evidence that the water was good, 
as indeed any one who has been to Cardiff and tasted of 
it will bear witness. 

How there was the flutter of a red dress in the doorway, 
and Roger looked up to meet the gaze of a pretty, brown- 
eyed girl, whose flushed cheeks took on a deeper color as 
she smiled at the boy. 

That ’s him, Clara,” called out Adrian. That ’s 
him, ’n’ I threw him, too.” 

Thet ’s your cousin Clara,” put in Mr. Kimball. I 
guess ye never seen her before, ’cause th’ last time yer 
mother were here, Clara wa’n’t born yit, ’n’ I vum, ye 
was such a leetle chap, thet it were hard work t’ locate 
ye, in yer long dresses,” and he laughed heartily at the 
remembrance. 

Clara held out her hand, which Roger shook warmly. 


28 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


She was a girl of fourteen, and was almost as large as 
Koger. He thought her one of the prettiest girls he had 
ever seen. 

I ’m so glad you got here safely,” she said. I sup- 
pose Ade made you wrestle as soon as you got off the stage. 
I believe he would rather roll in the dirt that way than 
eat,” and she glanced at her brother, who was turning a 
handspring nimbly. 

Hot much I would n’t ! Hot when I know supper ’s 
so near ready,” answered Adrian, landing on his feet near 
Clara. 

Then Roger became aware of the nicest odor coming 
from the region of the kitchen. He thought it was the best 
he had ever smelled, for he was hungry, more hungry than 
he had been in several weeks, as his appetite had not been 
good of late. How it seemed as if he could not get to the 
table quickly enough. 

Once in the house Mrs. Kimball lost no time. She led 
Roger to his room, a pleasant chamber next to where 
Adrian slept, and, when she had seen his valise and trunk 
brought up, and showed him where the washbowl and 
pitcher of water could be found, she left him to prepare 
for supper. 

For a minute or two Roger felt a flood of lonesomeness 
come over him. It was so very quiet, out there in the 
country, more quiet than he had ever supposed it possible 
to be. Even though it was only six o’clock, it was more 
silent than at midnight in Hew York, where, indeed, there 
is never lack of noise. Through the open window of the 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


29 


room came only the faint rattle of a distant wagon down 
the dusty road, and the chirp of crickets, that had begun 
their evening song early. For the first time since Koger 
had started he wished himself home again. It was n^t half 
as nice, this going away, as he had thought it would be. 
He felt a lump coming into his throat and a trace of 
moisture into his eyes. 

Surely he couldn’t be going to cry? What, cry? Of 
course not. Who ever heard of such a thing, even though 
it did seem lonesome just at first, you know, and even 
though he could n’t help feeling a trifie homesick. He con- 
trolled his feelings, poured out the water, and dashed it 
into his face vigorously. When he had finished using the 
towel he broke into a cheery whistle that penetrated to the 
rooms below; and then he bethought himself of his deter- 
mination to wrestle and throw Adrian some day. He was 
ready to go downstairs now. 

It was a very merry supper. Eoger had his first taste 
of salt-rising bread, which is made without yeast, and he 
voted it the best he ever ate. He had fresh buckwheat 
honey, which had been taken from the hives that same 
day, his uncle told him. Then there was crisp, brown 
ham, and golden eggs, sugar-coated crullers, and rich 
creamy milk, and Roger surprised himself by the manner 
in which he put away the victuals. 

The evening was spent in the settin’ room,” as Mrs. 
Kimball called it, where they had kerosene lamps, which' 
seemed strange to the city boy, used only to gas or elec- 
tricity. About nine o’clock Roger’s eyes began to get heavy. 


30 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


and to feel as if they had sticks in them. His head nodded 
once or twice, even while his uncle was talking to him. 

Bedtime,” announced Mr. Kimball, suddenly, and 
Roger was glad to hear him say so. With a small lamp 
his aunt lighted the way to his room. 

I say ! ” called 'Adrian from his apartment, when 
Roger had settled snug between the cool sheets, — “I say, 
Roger.” 

^^Well?” 

We ’ll go fishing to-morrow. I know a deep hole 
where we can get some dandy fat chubs.” 

Good,” called Roger, through his open door. That 
will be sport.” 

He fell to listening to the dreamy chirp of the crickets 
and the trilling of the tree-toads. Gradually these sounds 
became fainter and fainter, and at last he could only hear 
them as if the insects were a score of miles away. Roger 
was sound asleep. 


CHAPTEE IV 


IN DEEP WATER 

The sun was well up over the eastern hills, shining down 
warm and mellow on Cardiff valley when Koger awoke next 
morning. At first he could scarcely remember where he 
was, so many changes of location had he gone through 
lately. He looked at the old-fashioned wall paper, listened 
to the rustling of the wind in the trees, and wondered if 
he was not dreaming. Then he gradually recalled the 
events of the day before. He got out of bed with a jump, 
and was dressing when Adrian came in. 

Hello, Eoger,” was the greeting, how ’d you sleep ? ” 
Fine,’^ answered Eoger. 

Then Adrian looked at the clothes his cousin was putting 
on. It was the same suit Koger had worn when he arrived. 

Oh, I say,” exclaimed Adrian. Don’t tog out in 
these. We ’re going fishing, you know, and you ’ll need 
your old duds to go through the woods with. You ’ll spoil 
a good suit.” 

Then for the first time Koger realized that he didn’t 
have to dress for school. He remembered that he was not 
going to study his lessons, and had only to go out into the 
air and sunshine, to listen to the birds, and to tramp 
through the fields. For the first time it came to him that. 


32 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


even though he was not as well and strong as many other 
boys, there was a good time ahead of him, and a chance for 
him to become as sturdy as Adrian. 

That ’s so, we are going fishing to-day,” remarked 
Koger. I ’d forgotten all about it, I slept so soundly. 
I thought I was back in 'New York.” 

He made haste to replace his good suit with an older 
though serviceable one, which would stand hard usage. 
Then the two boys went down to breakfast, which meal, 
Koger was sure, tasted even better than the supper of the 
night previous. 

“ Wa’al, what ’s th’ schedule fer t’day ? ” asked Mr. Kim- 
ball, as he gulped down his second cup of coffee. You 
boys goin’ arter b’ar er mountain lions ? ” 

Are there bears in these woods ? ” inquired Roger, 
eagerly. 

“ Mussy sakes, no ! ” exclaimed Mrs. Kimball, but 
’t would n’t be yer Uncle Bert ef he did n’t fool some un. 
Skunks ’n’ squirrels, ’n’ onct in a while a wild-cat, is th’ 
biggest beasts in these parts.” 

Kow, mother,” began Mr. Kimball, his mouth half 
full of potato, ye know there is b’ars in th’ woods. Didn’t 
ye run away from one last fall, when ye were pickin’ black- 
berries ? Kow, own up, did n’t ye ? ” 

Oh, thet one,” answered Mrs. Kimball, as she set 
a plate of buckwheat cakes in front of Roger. ‘‘ He 
was th’ tame b’ar thet got away from th’ Italian organ 
grinder.” 

Scared ye most int’ a spasm, though,” commented Mr. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


33 


Kimball, laughing so heartily that he nearly choked on a 
piece of bread. 

Go along ’n’ eat yer breakfust, ’n’ git at th’ chores,” 
advised Mrs. Kimball, smiling a bit at the recollection of 
the incident. 

We ’re going over to Limestone creek, fishing,” said 
Adrian. George Bennett was there yesterday and got 
fifteen chub.” 

Got any bait ? ” asked Mr. Kimball. 

Going to dig some right away,” replied Adrian, trying 
to make short work of the meal. Koger, too, was busy with 
the victuals. 

^^Kow I don’t know ’bout this,” began Mr. Kimball 
with a grave air, in contrast to his former jolly tone. 

Roger did n’t come out here t’ start right in ’n’ tramp 
eight er ten miles, ’n’ git all tired out. His mother ’n’ 
father wants him t’ rest up, ’n’ git lots a’ fresh air. How, 
Ade, I don’t know ’s I ought t’ let you two go. What d’ ye 
say, Roger ? ” ^ 

I don’t feel at all tired,” answered the boy. I 
am not sure I could walk eight miles, but — ” 

It ’s less than two miles there, pop,” broke in Adrian, 
and, say, you need n’t worry, but I ’ll take care of Roger. 
We ’ll walk slow.” 

I guess I can tramp as far as the creek,” put in Roger, 
feeling a little nettled that his physical ability should so 
often come up for discussion. 

Wa’al, all right,” assented Mr. Kimball. It ’s a 
nice day, ’n’ I guess it won’t hurt ye none. Look out ye 
3 


34 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


don’t fall in, that ’s all. It ’s deep near th’ hole where th’ 
best fishin’ is.” 

We ’ll be careful,” promised Adrian. 

Breakfast over Adrian got out the fishing tackle and a 
spade with which to dig the worms for bait. Roger was 
provided with a bamboo pole and the necessary line, hooks, 
and sinkers. Then, when Adrian announced, after spad- 
ing a good-sized patch of the barnyard up, that they had 
bait enough in the tin can, the two boys shouldered their 
poles and started off. 

The way to the creek was along the main street of Car- 
diff, which ran through the centre of the village, up to the 
cross-road, that led eastward to the town of Lafayette. At 
this point the path went west, twisting and turning along 
the highway, over the hills to Onondaga Lake, twenty miles 
away. This was the first glimpse Roger had of the hamlet 
of Cardiff, except for the hasty glances as he had passed 
through on the stage the evening before. There were not 
more than sixty houses in the place, all comfortably close 
together, on the two sides of the main street. 

Here and there, spread out along other roads, were scat- 
tered farms, with big, roomy, white houses and weather- 
stained barns and corn-cribs. 

The boys passed over the little brook that ran across the 
road, just beyond Adrian’s home, the stream being spanned 
by a wooden bridge. Soon they came to Hank Mack’s gen- 
eral store, where you could buy a plow or a yard of red 
calico, a stick of candy or some gunpowder, a loaf of bread 
or a salt mackerel. Then there was the blacksmith shop, 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


35 


in tlie door of whicli stood Sam Bennett, and, next, the grist 
mill, kept by Truem Wright, as jolly a chap as one would 
care to meet in the course of a day’s travel. The last build- 
ing, save some houses, before the boys came to the turn of 
the road, was the public inn or tavern, which bore the 
name The Pine Tree. Abe Crownheart, Proprietor,” 
in big faded blue letters over the door. 

It was still early in the day, but nearly all the people 
in Cardiff seemed to be up and about. The men and 
women whom Adrian met nodded or spoke to him, and 
glanced rather curiously at Poger, for strangers were 
not common in town. A walk of half a mile brought the 
boys to the cross-road, and they went down that some dis- 
tance before Adrian indicated the place where they were 
to cut across lots to reach the creek. Through the fields 
they went, most of the land they found themselves trav- 
elling over having been given up to the raising of corn, 
which was now gathered in shocks, ready to be husked, 
leaving the heavy brown stubble sticking out of the earth. 

Don’t know ’s we ’ll have much luck to-day,” said 
Adrian, rather dubiously, as he wet his finger and held 
it up in the air to note which side felt coolest, and so 
determine the direction of the breeze. 

Why not ? ” 

South wind.” 

What ’s that got to do with fishing ? ” 

“ Lots. Did n’t you ever hear that ? Why we never 
go fishing if the wind ’s south. It was n’t there when we 
started, but I guess it shifted. There ’s a verse that says : 


36 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


^ Wlien the wind ’s in the west the fish bite best ; when the 
wind ’s in the south it blows the hook out their mouth/ 
But maybe we ’ll get a few.” 

I hope so, after all our work,” said Eoger. 

If I don’t, it won’t be the first time, for me,” added 
Adrian, as though to prepare for the worst. 

They tramped for half a mile more, and then, turning 
down a well-beaten path, Adrian led the way to an opening 
amid a grove of willow trees, along the edge of the creek. 
The stream, which was broad and deep here, curved around 
from a point, and formed an eddy that had eaten quite a 
distance into the bank. This eddy was used as a swimming 
hole by the boys of the village, but now the water was a 
little too cool for that sport, so the fish were not disturbed 
in what Adrian knew was one of their favorite haunts. 

It did not take long to rig the lines on the poles, bait the 
hooks, and cast in. Though Boger never had much chance 
to go fishing in the city, the necessity of keeping quiet 
was apparent to him, and he moved about as slowly and 
as easily as he could, standing in a place Adrian had 
pointed out. Then he softly dropped the hook, with the 
wiggling, dangling worm, into the water. Adrian did 
likewise, and then the boys began to exercise that patience 
which all good fishermen are supposed to be blessed 
with. 

Eoger felt a little tired from the tramp, and, after he 
had stood for several minutes, he ventured to sit down on 
a piece of drift-wood that was on the edge of the bank. 
Adrian, not feeling the strain of walking, preferred to 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


37 


stand. It was very quiet along the edge of the creek, 
screened as it was by the fringe of willows. How and 
then a late-staying bird, that had not yet flown south, darted 
in and out among the trees. The dried cornstalks rustled 
in the wind, and there was a pleasant smell in the air. 
Altogether it was a most delightful place to flsh. 

I Ve got a bite,” whispered Adrian, suddenly, and 
Roger noticed his cousin’s line trembling and shaking just 
where it entered the water. Watch me pull him out,” 
went on Adrian softly. 

The next instant he yanked his pole high in the air, and, 
dangling on the end of the line, twisting and flopping so 
that its silvery sides reflected the sun, was a good-sized 
fish. Roger leaped to his feet to see the catch, which his 
cousin landed on the ground with a thud. He started hack 
to where the prize lay on the grassy bank, and then he felt 
something give way beneath him. He seemed to be falling 
down, and in desperation he clutched wildly at the air. 
He heard Adrian shouting, as though he was miles away, 
and the next he knew the waters of the creek closed above 
his head. A part of the hank where he had been sitting 
had broken off, and carried him into the stream with a 
splash of the deep water. 

Roger thought he would never stop sinking down and 
down into the pool, and, though at this point it was only 
about ten feet deep, the boy imagined it must be three 
times that. He had kept hold of the pole when he fell, 
and he dimly knew that his hands still grasped it as he 
tried to strike out and spring to the surface. It was black 


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as night all around him, and the waters roared and sang 
in his ears. 

For a half minute Adrian was so frightened by his 
cousin’s disappearance he did not know what to do. He 
felt sure Roger would be drowned, and, already, he was 
charging himself with the responsibility for it. 

Then a determination to save him came into the boy’s 
mind. With a quick motion he peeled oif his coat, cast 
aside his cap, and, with his knife, rapidly slit the laces 
of his shoes, as the easiest and most expeditious way of 
undoing them. He kicked the leathers from him, leaped 
to the edge of the bank, and was about to dive into the 
water when he saw Roger’s head bob up. 

Don’t he afraid ! ” called Adrian. I ’ll save you ! ” 
He poised for the spring, hut, to his surprise, instead 
of seeing Roger helplessly floundering in the creek, he 
noticed that his cousin was calmly treading water to keep 
himself afloat, for it was hard to swim weighed down by 
clothes and shoes. 

Look out ! Here I come ! ” cried Adrian. 

D-don’t d-don’t,” stuttered Roger, his teeth chattering. 
He was a little out of breath. I c-c-can get o-o-out a-all 
r-r-right ! I was a 1-1-little s-s-surprised a-at first ! ” 
Adrian noticed that his cousin was making his way 
slowly toward more shallow water. When he got to a point 
half way to the bank Roger held up the fish pole, so that 
Adrian could grasp it. The latter saw the idea at once, 
and, with a quick motion, he took hold of the bamboo 
rod, and pulled his cousin along until it was an easy 







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89 


matter for the boy to walk out. Boger stepped on the 
shelving hank, below the swimming hole, dripping water 
like a big B^ewfoundland dog. His breathing was rather 
uncertain, and his teeth chattered, for the water was 
cold. 

I thought at first you were a goner,” said Adrian, 
grasping Eoger^s hand heartily. I never imagined you 
could swim.” 

I learned how in the free baths down at the Battery, 
in Hew York, where we fellows used to go Saturdays,” 
explained Boger. Only that ’s salt water, and it ’s easier 
to keep afloat in than this. I was n’t scared after the flrst 
few seconds. It took me by surprise, and knocked the 
breath out of me, that ’s all. I did n’t know where I was 
for a little while.” 

I don’t blame you,” agreed Adrian. Well, I guess 
that ’ll be about all the Ashing to-day,” he went on. 

You ’d better hurry home with me, and get dry clothes 
on, so you won’t catch cold. If it was July instead of 
October it would n’t matter so much. So come on ; let ’s 
run for it.” 

They started off across the fields at a smart trot, and 
soon reached the road. They got there just as a man came 
along, driving a light wagon. 

It ’s Enberry Took, who lives right below us,” ex- 
plained Adrian. He ’ll give us a lift. Hey, Enberry ! ” 

Whoa ! ” exclaimed the man in the wagon, pulling the 
horse up. Been fishin’, boys, or swimmin’ ? ” he asked 
as he looked at Boger dripping water, and at the solitary 


40 


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fish Adrian carried. Then Mr. Took smiled grimly, per- 
haps suspecting what had happened. 

We Ve been doing a little of both,’’ explained Adrian. 

Can we ride home with you, Enberry ? This is my 
cousin, Roger, from [N^ew York. He ’s here on a visit.” 

Hop in,” invited Mr. Took, shortly, and, when the 
two hoys were settled in the bottom of the wagon, he 
whipped up his horse, which trotted over the ground in 
good shape. Almost before Roger and Adrian knew it 
they were at the gate of their house, greatly surprising 
Mrs. Kimball and amusing her husband, who laughed 
heartily when he learned there was no harm done. 

You ’ll make out all right,” he said to Roger, as the 
boy went to change his wet clothes for dry ones ; you ’ve 
got a level head on your shoulders, even if ye do live in 
Hew York. I ’m proud on ye, thet ’s what I am ; I ’m 
proud on ye, Roger.” 



CHAPTER V 


GATHERING THE HONEY 

Whether it was the country air, or the exercise Roger 
took after his sudden bath, he did not know, but he felt 
no ill effects from the plunge into the creek, nor did he 
catch cold. There was merry laughter over the affair when 
he came downstairs dressed in a dry suit, and, on Mr. 
Kimbalks suggestion, the boys decided they had gone 
through enough excitement for one day. 

I would think Roger needed a rest,” said Clara. 

Ef ye ain’t got nothin’ else t’ do this arternoon, Ade,” 
said Mr. Kimball, ye might git off some a’ th’ clover 
honey. I ’m goin’ t’ send a load a’ stuff t’ Syracuse in th’ 
mornin’, ’n’ I ’ll want some honey t’ take ’long.” 

Would you like to help at that ? ” asked Adrian of 
Roger. It ’s easy work.” 

I guess so,” replied Roger, who thought it would be 
interesting to see how the busy little bees worked and made 
the sweet stuff he had eaten the first night he came. So 
the boys made their preparations after dinner, which was 
soon served. 

Mr. Kimball had about two hundred swarms, or hives, 
of bees, the little houses for the insects being arranged in 
rows in an orchard just south of the farm dwelling. The 


42 


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honey crop had been nearly all gathered in when Roger 
came, but some of the later swarms were still busy filling 
up the caps ” with the sweet juices of flowers. Adrian 
got out two big straw hats, around the edges and coming 
down on all sides of which was mosquito netting like a 
long veil. He put on one hat and gave the other to Roger. 

What ’s it for ? ” asked the city boy. 

To keep you from getting stung.’’ 

But,” began Roger, his ardor cooling as he thought 
for the first time of the chances of being nipped by the 
bees, is n’t it dangerous to go out among the hives, even 
with these veils on ? ” 

“Hot a hit,” replied Adrian. 

But when he saw his cousin heading for the midst of 
the collection of hives, Roger became somewhat appre- 
hensive, in spite of the assurance. He hung back a bit. 

“ There won’t he any danger for you,” said Adrian, 
observing his hesitation. “ I ’ll put you in a safe place, 
hut if a buzzer or two does come singing around you once 
in a while just keep perfectly still and it won’t hurt you.. 
In fact it can’t get at you with the veil on. You can have 
a pair of gloves, too, so every part of you will be protected. 
Come on.” 

Thus assured, though still a trifle doubtful, Roger 
advanced. As they walked along the path to the orchard 
Roger noticed that Adrian carried what looked like a big 
funnel, on the bottom or large part of which was a leather 
bellows. 

“ What ’s that for ? ” he asked. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


43 


To smoke the bees.’’ 

Smoke the bees ? ” 

Yes ; you ’ll see in a minute.” 

On the edge of the apiary was a tool house and another 
building where the honey and bee hives were stored in 
for winter, for here in the north bees cannot exist through 
the cold weather out of doors. Entering the tool house 
Adrian collected some small pieces of wood and some 
shavings, and built a little fire in the tin funnel, to which 
the bellows was attached, using the folded leather arrange- 
ment to make a good draught. 

Adjusting his hat so that the mosquito netting veil hung 
down all around his head, Adrian started out with the 
smoke-machine trailing a fleecy cloud behind him. 

Come on,” he called to Eoger, handing him a pair of 
gloves. Put these on. They ’re rubber, you see, and the 
bees can’t put their stingers through them.” 

Where ’s yours ? ” asked Eoger, as he drew the gaunt- 
lets well over his wrists. 

Oh, I could n’t take off honey in gloves. They ’d be 
too clumsy. But I seldom get stung barehanded, and if 
I do I don’t mind one or two. Got used to ’em. A little 
ammonia on the sting takes the pain out.” 

He kept on toward the cluster of hives, and Eoger could 
not help noticing how much his cousin seemed like a diver, 
with the big head piece on. He, himself, must look the 
same, he thought. 

You see,” explained Adrian, as he saw Eoger glancing 
curiously at the rows of bee houses, each hive is divided 


44 


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into two parts, top and bottom. In the lower part the 
bees live, raise their young, and store honey in what we call 
the big sections. These are beeswax combs, set in light 
wooden frames. In the top part of the hive are several 
smaller, square, wooden frames, into which the bees build 
the comb and fill it with honey. When they have these 
upper sections filled and capped up, or sealed over, we 
lift them off and sell them.” 

It ’s rather rough on the bees,” observed Roger. 

We always leave them enough,” explained Adrian. 

As he talked Adrian approached the bee colonies. 

You ’d better stay back, now, under that tree,” he 
called to Roger, and the latter was glad enough not to be 
asked to go any nearer the hives, from which he could hear 
a busy, droning hum. He much preferred to watch Adrian 
from this vantage point. 

He saw his cousin come up to one of the bee houses from 
the rear. First the top cover was carefully lifted off, and 
this was set on the ground, edge up. Hext Adrian lifted 
up a piece of oilcloth that kept all possible dampness from 
the honey. As soon as this was moved aside Roger saw a 
black moving mass of bees crawling upward. Adrian 
quickly took the smoker and puffed a gentle white cloud 
of vapor on the insects. In an instant they melted away, 
scurrying downward. The smoke irritated them and made 
them drowsy, and they wanted to get away from its smart- 
ing vapor. This made it safe for any one to work about 
the hive, under the protection of fumes from the burning 
wood. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


45 


This left free the upper section of the hive, which was 
filled with caps full of the clear white, or darker buckwheat 
honey, the bees being below. Adrian then lifted off the 
whole top part of the little house, and Roger could see that 
it contained a number of the full caps, in this case there 
being only the white clover honey. Setting his load down 
on top of the hive next to him, Adrian replaced the cover 
on the first hive. Then he puffed several more clouds of 
smoke on the top section he had just removed, to drive away 
the few remaining bees that were loath to leave their 
property. 

Adrian carried the section, which contained twenty-four 
small caps, to the bee house, and returned to repeat the 
operation on other hives. Roger looked on with much in- 
terest as Adrian worked rapidly. 

Got stung yet ? ” he called to his busy cousin. 

One nipped me on the finger a bit, but I don’t mind 
that. I ’m used to it. Are they bothering you ? ” 

Well,” answered Roger, moving his head from side 
to side, some of ’em seem anxious to make my acquaint- 
ance, but the veil keeps ’em away. All the same they 
make me nervous.” 

We ’ll soon go inside,” called back Adrian. I ’m 
only going to take off a few more. Then we ’ll box it and 
be through.” 

He removed half a dozen more hive-tops, with the honey- 
filled sections, each one containing twenty-four pounds of 
the sweet stuff, a pound to a cap. Then, when he had 
given the few bees that got in the storehouse a chance to 


46 


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escape, Adrian prepared to pack the honey for market. 
To do this it was first necessary to scrape from each wooden 
cap, or the small, one-ponnd honey boxes, the beeswax 
that, here and there, marred the clean white wood. Roger 
wanted to help at this, and, as he could do it safely, Adrian 
got two dull knives, and he and his cousin began. 

Be sure to keep the caps standing on the same end 
they are on now,” cautioned Adrian. 

Why ? What difference does it make ? ” 

A good deal. If you change ’em around any, and 
there happens to be some cells that are n’t capped over, 
the honey will run out.” 

Then Adrian showed Roger that the honey-comb, which 
is familiar to almost every one, was composed of a number 
of openings or cells, shaped like a hexagon. These cells 
were double, there being two sets of them, back and front, 
in each cap, and they were divided down the middle by a 
wall of wax. The wise bees gave to each cell a downward 
slant toward this dividing wall, so that when they had 
filled them with honey the sweet stuff would not run out. 
Then, as a further precaution, each tiny opening was sealed 
over with wax. But sometimes the bees neglected to seal 
up one or two cells in a cap, and unless these particular 
ones were kept upright, with the openings slanting down- 
ward, there would be a fine mess. 

These caps are pretty well sealed,” observed Adrian, 
but you always have to be careful,” and he was on the 
lookout to see that no mistakes were made. 

The two boys now busied themselves with scraping off 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


47 


the dried wax from the outside of the caps, and, as each 
one was finished it was placed in a pasteboard box, labelled 
with the contents White clover honey,” and with Mr. 
Kimball’s name and address. 

Dad ’s got a good honey crop this year,” commented 
Adrian. Plenty of white clover, which sells better than 
buckwheat, though I don’t like it so well as the dark 
honey.” 

What do they call it buckwheat for ? Because it ’s 
made from buckwheat fiour ? ” 

Land no. Because it ’s from the sweet juices of the 
buckwheat flowers. Lots of people say buckwheat honey 
is too strong for ’em, but we all like it better than clover, 
which is made from clover blossoms. Buckwheat seems 
to have a sort of ^ whang ’ to it, dad says.” 

Wa’al, boys, how ye makin’ out ? ” asked a deep voice 
from the doorway, and Mr. Kimball entered the storeroom. 

All right, I guess,” answered Roger. 

Glad t’ hear it. We ’ll make a reg’lar hee-farmer 
out a’ ye ’fore ye git home.” 

He carefully inspected the boys’ work and seemed satis- 
fied with it. 

I guess that ’ll do fer this trip,” he remarked to 
Adrian, counting the caps. Say, Ade,” he went on, 
how ’d you ’n’ Roger like t’ take a load a’ grapes over 
t’ Tully t’-morrow? Andrews wrote me he could use 
some.” 

I thought you were going to take the horses to the 
city with your load,” replied Adrian. 


48 


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So I be, but I ’ll borrow Truem Wright’s boss ’n’ 
wagon ef ye think ye kin git over Tully hill ’ith th’ rig. 
I ’d send Jim, th’ hired man, only I want him t’ pick 
grapes t’-morrow when I ’m gone. What d’ ye say ? Want 
t’go?” 

Do you ? ” asked Adrian of Eoger. 

I think it would be lots of fun,” replied the city boy. 

I ’ll be glad to go along.” 

All right, dad ; you go and ask Truem for the horse, 
and to-night Roger and I ’ll load up the wagon so ’s to 
start early in the morning,” said Adrian. 

Are n’t you boys hungry ? ” asked some one standing 
in the doorway, and they all looked up to see Clara with 
a big plate of freshly baked molasses cookies. 

Hungry ? Well, I just guess we are,” exclaimed 
Adrian, as he held the plate and passed it to Roger, who 
took a cake. Adrian helped himself to two, and Mr. 
Kimball was not satisfied with less than three, which he 
munched successively with every indication of satisfaction. 

Ko use talkin’,” he said, looking at Roger with a 
twinkle in his blue eyes, your aunt does bake the best 
cookies in Onondaga County,” and he took a fourth one, 
while Clara laughed merrily to see her father’s enjoyment 
of the little lunch she had provided. 

They are certainly fine,” agreed Roger, finishing his 
second one. 

The plate was soon emptied, and Clara offered to go 
for more, but they all voted they had enough for the 
present. Then Mr. Kimball cut open one of the caps of 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


49 


honey, and he and the boys ate the sweet stuff, which, a 
short time before had been in the hive. 

Don’t you want some ? ” asked Koger of Clara, offer- 
ing her a thick slice of the comb. 

N^o, thank you,” she replied. I Ve eaten so much 
this last month I ’m afraid I ’ll turn into a bee,” and she 
hurried back to the house with a ringing laugh. 

It was only four o’clock when the honey had all been 
packed ready for shipment, and Mr. Kimball left to make 
arrangements for the trip to-morrow. Adrian, for whom 
there was no more work that afternoon, proposed to Koger 
that they take a walk to Truem Wright’s grist mill. So 
they tramped up the street to where the mill stood on the 
edge of a pond. 

They met quite a number of boys and girls carrying 
tin pails and books, and most of the youngsters spoke to 
Adrian as he passed them. 

Where are they from ? ” asked Koger. 

School ’s out.” 

Oh, sure enough. I ’d almost forgotten there was 
such a thing. But don’t you go ? ” 

Kot until winter sets in,” said Adrian. You see 
there ’s too much to do about the farm, and then I ’m 
pretty well along in what they teach here. They ’re going 
to have a higher class for the older pupils in January, 
and I ’ll start in then.” 

The boys soon came to the mill. 

Hello, Ade ! ” cried a man, who seemed to be covered 
from head to foot with white dust. Heard ye went 

4 


50 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


fishin’ yist’day/’ lie went on. Ketched a wKale, did n’t 
ye ? ” and he laughed so heartily that he almost shook the 
side of the building. 

Well, we did have some such luck,” admitted Adrian. 

But, say, Truem, can we come in ? Are you running 
now? This is my cousin Roger, from ISTew York.” 

He were th’ whale I were referrin’ t’,” said Mr. 
Wright, laughing again. 

Roger smiled and bowed to the dusty miller, who held 
out a huge white hand for him to shake. 

Yep, come right in,” said Mr. Wright, genially. 

I ’m grindin’ a bit a’ flour fer George Bennett.” 

The boys advanced into the dusty place, which shook 
and trembled with the whirring vibrations of the two big 
millstones. They watched these spinning around, grind- 
ing the wheat into a flne, light dust. 

What power does he use ? ” asked Roger, who was 
somewhat surprised to see no sign of an engine. 

Turbine water wheel,” said Adrian. Come along 
and I ’ll show you.” He led the way to where, at the 
bottom of a deep pit, the turbine roared around and 
around with the weight and force of the water that fell 
on it from above, a dam giving the necessary head. This 
furnished the power for the entire mill. It was all very 
interesting to Roger, who had never seen anything of the 
kind. Before he realized how quickly time passed, it 
was almost the hour for supper, so he and Adrian raced 
home, both bearing good appetites. 


CHAPTER VI 


A LOAD OF GRAPES 

When the boys reached the house they found Mrs. Kimball 
just putting supper on the table. There was a delicious 
smell, which Roger at first did not recognize. 

Hurrah ! ’’ cried Adrian. That ^s what I like ! 
What?’’ 

Fried chicken and corn bread. Can’t anybody heat 
mother at that.” 

Hor at anything else in the cooking line, I guess,” 
agreed Roger. 

The two hoys made short work of washing up and 
combing their hair, and when they hurried down to the 
kitchen they had hungry looks that did Mrs. Kimball 
good to see. 

I can’t abide a poor eater,” she said, as she heaped 
Roger’s plate with the crisp brown chicken, fried in sweet 
butter, and handed him a plate of smoking hot golden- 
yellow corn bread. I do like t’ see a body pitch in ’n’ 
eat th’ victuals set afore ’em,” she went on. After a 
body goes t’ work ’n’ gits up a good meal, it ’s mighty 
disparagin’ t’ see th’ things scorned down on. I ’m glad 
t’ see ye eat, Roger. Yer appetite ’s improved wonderful 
already. Yer uncle ’n’ cousin usually don’t need much 


52 


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urgin’ in th’ eatin’ line,” she added significantly, as she 
glanced at her husband’s and son’s well-heaped plates. 

I guess not,” mumbled Mr. Kimball, picking up a 
nicely browned wing, and munching it with every indica- 
tion of enjoyment. I guess not, Mrs. Kimball.” 

Clara and her mother now sat down, and the meal pro- 
gressed merrily. Roger almost forgot the homesickness 
that had twinged him once or twice during the day. The 
supper was about over when some one knocked at the 
kitchen door, opening it at the same time and calling out: 

I brought your mail, neighbor Kimball.” 

Thanks, Enberry,” said the farmer, as he got up to 
take several letters which Mr. Took had brought from 
the post-office. Won’t ye set down ’n’ hev a bite, 
Enberry ? ” 

“ Ko, thanks ; got t’ do my chores yit. How ’s th’ 
drowned boy ? ” 

“ Oh, I ’m all right,” called out Roger, and I ’m 
much obliged for getting me home so quick.” 

Allers willin’ t’ do a neighborly turn,” said Mr. Took, 
as he went out. 

Hello ! ” exclaimed Roger’s uncle, looking at the ad- 
dresses on the envelopes by the light of the kerosene lamp. 

Hello ! Here ’s a letter for you, Mr. Roger Anderson.” 

It ’s from mother,” cried the boy, as he caught sight 
of the beloved writing, and for a few minutes he paid 
no attention to what went on around him, as he read the 
news from the dear ones at home. It told him all were 
well, and how they missed him greatly. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


58 


Take good care of yourself/^ Mrs. Anderson wrote, 
and, though I shall miss yon very much, though we all 
miss you, we hope your visit to Cardiff will do you good.’^ 
There was a little mist in the boy’s eyes as he saw, in 
memory, the pleasant little circle about the table at home ; 
his father reading, his mother sewing, and the baby build- 
ing a wonderful house of blocks. 

“ Wa’al, what ’s th’ news ? ” asked Mr. Kimball, in his 
deep hearty voice, and Roger told him what his mother 
had written. 

It was not long before supper was over, and, while 
Mrs. Kimball and Clara were clearing away the dishes, 
Roger, with his uncle and cousin, went out to the barn, 
where, by the light of a lantern, the two wagons were 
loaded up, ready for an early start on the next day’s trip. 
Mr. Kimball was to take his own horses and wagon to 
Syracuse with a load of produce, while Roger and Adrian 
would have Truem Wright’s rig. 

The last basket of grapes, the last crate of honey, and 
the celery, potatoes, and cabbage had been piled securely 
on the vehicles. Mr. Kimball pulled out his big silver 
watch. 

Hello ! ” he cried. Kine o’clock. Time to go t’ 
bed, fer we ’ll hev t’ be up early in th’ momin’. Skedaddle, 
all on ye ! ” 

The boys hurried to the house, laughing and shouting 
in anticipation of the pleasant trip next day. 

That night Roger dreamed he was swimming in a big 
green pond, while a swarm of bees carrying bunches of 


54 


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grapes flew buzzing after him. He thought a whole hive 
of the insects were about to settle down on him, when he 
was caught by a big fish that shook him in its mouth as 
a dog might a rat. Then he awoke suddenly to find that 
the shaking was being done by his cousin Adrian, who 
stood bending over him, pulling him by the arm. A 
lamp burned in the room. 

“ What ’s the matter ? Is the house afire ? asked 
Roger, as he jumped up in alarm. 

Land sakes, no,’’ said Adrian, “ but if we ’re going 
to Tully with the grapes, we ’ll have to start pretty soon. 
Dad went some time ago. Dress, and we’ll have breakfast.” 

Roger looked out of the window while putting his clothes 
on. It was just getting faintly light, and some stars were 
still to be seen. From the kitchen there came the good 
smell of hot coffee and buckwheat cakes with fried sausage, 
and Roger knew his aunt was up. 

While the boys were eating the excellent breakfast Mrs. 
Kimball set on the table, she put them up a good lunch 
in a basket, as they would not be home to dinner. In a 
short time they were ready for the start, and the wagon 
clattered out the side yard, Adrian driving the big white 
horse. 

It was a pleasant trip to Tully, a town about eight miles 
from Cardiff. The first part of the journey was along the 
valley road, but at the upper end of this there began an 
ascent, which led up a steep hill to a sort of plateau 
on the small mountain top. 

Past the scattered farmhouses they drove in the early 


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55 


dawn, and they had proceeded nearly a mile before the 
snn peeped np smiling from behind the hills, to send the 
gray, misty fog swirling lazily upward. The white horse 
pulled nobly up the incline, stopping now and then to 
rest at the thank-’e-ma’ams,’’ as certain places in the 
road were called; being mounds of earth dug across the 
highway, designed to prevent the too sudden rush of water 
down the hill during a rain. These hummocks served to 
divert the water to one side like a gutter, and also made 
good resting places, for they held the rear wheels of the 
wagon. At length the boys reached the top of the hill and 
started off on a level stretch for Tully, where Andrews 
Brothers had a store, at which Mr. Kimball sold consider- 
able produce. 

James Andrews, one of the brothers, was arranging 
some barrels of apples outside the place when Adrian 
drove up. 

Good morning, Mr. Andrews,” called Adrian. 

Same to you,” replied the store-keeper, heartily. 

What brings you over here so early ? ” 

I Ve got that load of grapes you ordered of my father.” 

Load of grapes ? ” with a puzzled air. 

Yes. Bather got your letter, and he did n’t have time 
to come over himself to-day, so I made the trip.” 

But I did n’t order any grapes — Oh, yes, I did, 
come to think of it; but, Ade, I didn’t want ’em until 
next week. I said so in my letter. Let ’s see, to-day is the 
18th. I ordered ’em for the 26th. Can’t possibly use 
’em this week, for I ’ve got all I need. Sorry,” as he saw 


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the disappointed look on the boy’s face. Just tell your 
father if he looks at my letter he ’ll see I asked him to 
send a load over next week. Better try some of the other 
stores, they might need ’em.” 

Well,” said Adrian, slowly, I s’pose you ’re right, 
Mr. Andrews, and father must have read your letter wrong. 
So I guess the only thing to do is to try to get rid of this 
load over at Smith’s or Brown’s.” 

Don’t forget I ’ll want some a week from to-day,” 
cautioned Mr. Andrews as Adrian drove off. Be sure 
and tell your father.” 

I will,” called back Adrian. 

Two rather sober-faced hoys watched the white horse 
slowly jog along the Tully street. They had expected to 
unload the grapes, get the money and have a nice drive back, 
taking their time. But the wrong date had upset their 
plans. However there was a chance that Mr. Brown or 
Mr. Smith might need grapes, and the prospect of selling 
their produce there brightened matters for a little while. 
But their hopes were soon shattered, for, at both places, 
the supply of this fruit was large enough to last several 
days, though both proprietors said they would he in the 
market next week. 

Well,” said Roger, slowly, as they turned about from 
a visit to the last store, I suppose the only thing to do is 
to go back home.” 

What ? And with this load of grapes unsold ? ” ex- 
claimed Adrian. Hot much ! I came to Tully to sell 
them, and I ’m going to do it.” 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


57 


How?’’ 

peddling them from house to house. Dad expects me 
back with the money for these, and I ’m going to bring it if 
I can. You need n’t help if you don’t want to. I suppose 
you ’re not used to peddling, but I ’ve done it before.” 

Well, I guess I will help,” replied Roger, a little hurt 
to think that his cousin felt he would n’t stand by him in 
an emergency. Here, we ’ll drive along, and I ’ll take 
one side of the street, and you can go on the other.” 

That ’ll be just the thing,” said Adrian. 

So the two boys started in to get rid of the fruit. They 
went from house to house, carrying the baskets with the 
covers off to show the big red, white, and purple clusters. 
They inquired politely of the villagers whether they did n’t 
need some freshly picked grapes, at ten or fifteen cents a 
basket, and, before they had been in half a dozen places 
each one had sold four. The bony old white horse jogged 
slowly along the road, contentedly stopping now and then 
to nibble a sweet bunch of grass. 

At first Roger was a little bashful about going to houses 
peddling, for he had never done that sort of thing before. 
But he soon got the knack of it, and, though at several places 
the old ladies said they thought they wanted no fruit that 
day, he did n’t mind the refusals. Adrian had good luck 
on his side of the road, and sold many baskets. By noon 
they had gone over all of the main and only street in 
Tully, and had disposed of a little more than half the load. 

“ I guess we can’t sell any more here,” said Adrian as 
he counted over his money. 


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“ What ’ll we do ? Go back home ? ” 
iN’o, I guess we ’ll push on to Gagman’s Corners. 
That ’s only four miles farther, and we can peddle some 
on the way. But, come to think of it, I ’m hungry. Ain’t 
you ? ” 

“ A little bit,” admitted Koger with a laugh. 

So the boys drove a short way out of the village, and 
pulled the white horse up along side of a grassy bank. 
After Adrian had fixed the oats, which they had brought 
with them, so that the patient nag could eat, he opened the 
lunch his mother had put up for him and Roger. There 
was a clear spring of water near by, and from this the boys 
and the horse drank. It was like a picnic instead of work, 
Roger thought, as he breathed in the pure, cool air, and felt 
his cheeks glowing in the October sun. 

The meal over they took a brief rest, and then resumed 
the trip. In the next village they succeeded in disposing of 
all the remaining grapes, the dusty miller of the town tak- 
ing the last four baskets. Thus, with about fifteen dollars 
snugly tucked away in his pocket, Adrian felt that he and 
Roger had accomplished something worth while, for he 
had received a little higher price for the fruit by peddling 
it around than if he had sold it to Mr. Andrews, who would 
have paid wholesale rates, while the boys had done business 
at retail. 

I don’t call this bad,” commented Adrian as he turned 
the horse for the journey home. 

I should say not,” agreed Roger, heartily. 

It was the first time he had ever taken an active part 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


59 


in any real business transactions, and it made him want 
to do more in that line when he saw how self-reliant 
Adrian had been in the trading. 

When the boys reached Tully on the return trip it was 
five o’clock. They had eight miles to drive, but, as Adrian 
knew the road, he didn’t mind the gathering darkness, 
though to Roger it seemed strange, for he had never driven 
in the country after nightfall. In the city it was very 
light after dark, but here in Cardiff it was almost as black 
as ink when twilight had faded, for there were no street 
lamps to dispel the gloom. 

It was mostly down-hill going now, and the old white 
horse, knowing his stable and a manger full of oats was 
ahead of him, jogged rapidly along. It grew darker and 
darker, until, when they reached the top of the long slope 
of Tully hill, the last vestige of the slanting rays of the 
sun disappeared, and night had settled down. Calling 
cheerfully to the horse Adrian whistled a merry tune, and 
Roger joined in. Then they talked of various topics, — of 
the success of their trip, and what they would do to-morrow 
and next day. 

That ’s the last house in the village of Tully,” said 
Adrian, suddenly, indicating a lonely cabin. Pete Hal- 
lenbeck lives there, but he can’t be home to-night, or there ’d 
be a light in the window. He ’s lived all alone since his 
wife died. After we pass this there ’s not a place where 
anybody lives for three miles, until we get to the edge of 
Cardiff.” 

They went along for a mile or so, whistling and singing. 


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Suddenly there was a jolt of the wagon, and Koger, who 
was sitting well toward the front of the seat, felt himself 
thrown forward with considerable force. Instinctively he 
stuck out his hands, and he felt them strike the broad 
haunches of the horse. Then, with a rattle and bang he 
kept on falling down until he had rolled out completely 
on the animal’s hack, and thence off to one side, into the 
soft grass along the road, where he lay stunned. 

He could hear, as in a dream, Adrian faintly shouting 
to him, and then something seemed to flash by him. There 
was a confused rattle and rumble that grew fainter and 
fainter, and the blackness became more intense. 

As if he was falling fast asleep he heard a voice calling : 

Eoger ! Roger ! ” 

Then his eyes seemed to close tightly and he knew noth- 
ing more, as he lay in a huddled heap on the ground. 


CHAPTEK VII 


LOST ON THE MOUNTAIN 

Roger seemed to be sinking down into some dark pit, fall- 
ing lower and lower, until he appeared to strike against 
something and bound upward. A myriad of stars danced 
before his eyes, and, as he thus floated upward, he instinc- 
tively put up his hands to avoid contact with whatever 
might be above him. Then, with a suddenness that startled 
him, he came to his senses and found himself sitting at the 
side of the road, in the damp grass, while all around was 
pitchy blackness. 

He rubbed his eyes and the back of his head, and he 
was somewhat alarmed when his hand came away wet 
with blood from a slight wound. He tried to stand, but 
found he was too tottery on his legs. 

Well,” he managed to say, there must have been an 
accident. I fell off the wagon, that ’s sure, and from the 
way my head feels I must have struck on a stone. Guess 
I cut myself too, but not badly,” as he failed to And any 
serious wound on his scalp. 

He rubbed his hands in the damp grass and drew them 
out dripping with dew. He dabbled this water on his 
forehead and felt better. 


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I think the horse must have run away/’ he went on, 
“ or else I ’d see something of Adrian by this time, though 
it ’s as dark as a pocket here, and hard enough to locate 
your hand before your face, let alone somebody away down 
the road.” 

Koger listened intently, but could catch no sound of 
rattling wheels, nor the beating of a horse’s hoofs, which 
might have indicated that the wagon was coming back. 
All about was silence and darkness. The boy tried again 
to stand up, and found that his momentary weakness had 
passed. 

I guess I ’d better walk on until I meet Adrian,” he 
said to himself. He ’ll be sure to be coming back soon,” 
and he started off in the direction he thought was toward 
Cardiff. 

How if Roger had lived all his life in the country, or 
if he had been more familiar with the road, he probably 
would have had no trouble in starting on the right way 
back home. Very likely he would have done so instinc- 
tively; or he might have gotten his bearings from the 
stars, which shone overhead, though somewhat dimly. As 
it was, he became confused in the darkness, and, owing to 
a slight dizziness caused by his fall, instead of going 
toward Cardiff, he began walking back toward Tully. 

He was a little sore and stiff at first, but, as he went 
on, this disappeared, and he stepped out briskly enough. 
He thought he would not have far to go before meeting his 
cousin, but, as he walked farther and farther, he com- 
menced to wonder what had become of Adrian. But 


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63 


then, he reassured himself, perhaps Adrian had had some 
trouble in bringing the old white horse to a stop, though 
the animal had not seemed to be such a mettlesome steed. 

But I ’ll meet him soon, now,” said Koger, trying to 
comfort himself. 

He could feel the soft dusty road under his feet, and 
its whiteness was like a big indistinct chalk mark on a 
large blackboard, as it came faintly through the darkness. 
But, somehow or other, in a little while the white mark 
seemed to be fading away. It grew so dim that even by 
the hardest squinting of the eyes, it could no longer be 
seen. It appeared also that the character of the road was 
changing. It was no longer dusty and soft, hut hard, and 
firm, and, instead of going down hill, Roger found himself 
ascending the grade. 

Hold on ! ” exclaimed the hoy, this is queer. I 
must have turned around.” 

He came to a sudden stop. Was he off the road ? Was 
he lost? He hurriedly searched through his pockets and 
found a single match. Here was something that would 
aid him, though ever so slightly. With unsteady fingers 
he struck the little fire-stick. It flared up, sputtered and 
flickered, and, a second later, blazed brightly. Holding 
it above his head, so the glow might light all around him, 
he peered about in the gloom which was hut faintly illu- 
minated by the tiny flame. 

What was his terror to see, on every side of him, a tall 
and thick undergrowth of hushes and lofty trees. Be- 
neath his feet was a narrow path, while the forest appeared 


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to meet above his head in a black arch. Then, with a 
start, he realized he was lost; lost on the mountain, lost 
in the dense woods about Cardiff. He did not know which 
waj to turn. 

How if Roger had been an older boy or a sturdy country 
lad, he would have laughed at the plight in which he found 
himself, — laughed a bit and then tramped on and sat 
down, to wait until morning. But, as it was, Roger was 
never more frightened in his life. Once he had been lost 
in Hew York, when he was a little chap. But a big police- 
man had picked him up and taken him to a precinct 
station-house, where he was kept until his father, missing 
him, came after the lost boy. 

But out here in the country there were no blue-coated 
officers on the lookout for lost people. There were no 
police stations, no street lights, no lights at all, in fact, 
save the little flicker that had died away when Roger’s 
single match went out. 

When the last spark had become dim the boy’s breath 
came with a gasp. He wanted to run away from the 
blackness, but where could he flee to escape it, for it was 
all about him. He felt like crying out; like shouting 
for help. Then he suddenly recalled something his father 
had once said to him. 

Roger, if you ever And yourself in danger, in a fire, 
or in any position where you feel you ’ll lose your pres- 
ence of mind, just stop, and count ten. Then you ’ll be 
able to think calmly, and be able to help yourself, and 
perhaps others.” 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


65 


This came back to the boy like a flash. He resolved 
to put it into practice. Slowly he counted — 1, 2, 3, 4, 
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. He said each number in a loud voice. 
Even hearing his own tones did him good, and, before he 
had reached the nine ” he felt himself growing calmer. 
At the end he was less frightened, and he could think 
more clearly. Then he began to reason, and before he 
knew it, he was turning a plan over in his mind. 

I must have branched ofl the road into a path that 
goes through the woods,’’ he said, “ and, at the same time, 
I must have got turned around, and gone up hill, instead 
of down. How let ’s see. If I turn back and walk in 
just the opposite direction from which I ’m facing now, 
and if I am careful to keep going down hill, and stay in 
this path until I strike the road again, I ’ll probably come 
out safely. So, then, right about face ! Forward, march! ” 
He executed the command and started off bravely in the 
other direction. 

Roger now went along more slowly. He was cautious 
about where he set his feet, that he might not stray from 
the path, and occasionally he stooped down, and with 
his hands he felt the dirt under foot, to be positive he 
was on the hard, packed path and not travelling over the 
wood-carpet. He was in better spirits now and was sure 
he was going back the right way. He even began to 
whistle a little tune and already saw himself safe in his 
uncle’s house, laughing with Adrian over their adventure. 

But when he had gone on for some time in this way, 
there came over him a nameless sense of disquietude. 

5 


66 


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After all, was he really retracing his steps, or was he 
advancing deeper into the woods? If he had a match or 
two he could have easily seen his position. But he had 
not one. However, he reflected, the nature of the ground 
he was travelling over might now be of assistance to him. 
He leaned over again to feel of the way. As he did so 
he brushed against some low-hanging branches of the trees, 
and then, when his hand came in contact with the earth, 
Roger was startled to find it met neither the hard packed 
clay of the path, nor the dust of the road, but the dead 
leaves, the^ittle twigs and broken limbs of trees, and the 
soft moss of the forest. 

How, indeed, he knew he was fairly lost, and, when he 
stopped, and listened intently, he heard, all around him, 
the rustle of the foliage, the creaking of the boughs and 
the rattle of the branches of the deep woods. He had 
now absolutely no sense of direction, no knowledge of 
which way to turn. He caught his breath with a gasp, 
and then, feeling his legs giving way beneath him, he put 
out his hands, which came sharply up against a tree trunk, 
as he sank down on a fallen log. 

For a few minutes Roger thought the fierce beating of 
his heart would smother him. Then, realizing he must 
play the man now, he shut his lips firmly, clenched his 
hands, and stared determinedly into the blackness that 
was all around him. 

What a baby I am,” he said. All I have to do is 
to sit here until it ’s light. Then I can easily get back 
into the path, or some one will find me. That ’s what 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


67 


I ’ll do. I ’ll not move from this spot until I can see 
where I am going.” 

So he made himself as comfortable as possible on the 
log, turned up his coat collar, for it was cold, braced his 
back against the tree, and made ready to sit out his vigil 
until morning. His first fear over, he now looked upon 
the occurrence as a sort of queer little adventure. 

It will he something to write to mother about,” he 
said, as he pulled his hat on tightly. 

For perhaps half an hour the boy sat there. He thought 
of all sorts of things, — of his father, of his mother, and 
his little brother at home — of how he had come to Car- 
diff. He went over all that he and Adrian had done 
since he arrived. 

Then he began to nod; a little at first, then more and 
more, until he caught himself falling forward, almost 
asleep. 

My, my ! I must n’t go off like this,” he said, rub- 
bing his eyes. It won’t do to take a snooze here.” 

For a time he fought off the drowsiness, only to find it 
coming over him more and more strongly. Oh, how nice 
it was out here in the woods. There was a gentle wind, 
the leaves seemed to rustle and whisper to him. Ah ! He 
was floating away — away — off — off — to the land — 
of nod — to — the — land — of — nod — the — land — 
of — nod — nod — nod ! 

Then! Roger was fast asleep! 

Ho! Hot asleep! He was on the verge. Just going 
to tumble over into the finest feather bed he ever knew, 


68 


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when there was a noise that sounded like a clap of 
thunder. 

Crash ! 

Roger sat up, clutching the tree, against which he 
leaned, with a grip of terror. His heart was going like 
a trip-hammer. There was the echo of a great roaring 
in his ears. For a second he could not tell where he was. 
Then came another noise, less loud. 

Snap ! 

Ah! It was only the breaking of a twig. He calmed 
down. But what did it mean ? Somebody must be coming 
to find him. Of course, that was it. Adrian and his father 
were searching. 

Roger leaped to his feet. He peered into the darkness. 

Here I am, Adrian ! ’’ he called. Here I am 1 
Hey ! Here ’s Roger ! ” 

The echo of his own cry was the only answer. Then 
came another crackle of the twigs, as if some one was 
approaching nearer. Roger strained his eyes into the black 
depths of the forest. He could make out nothing. 

Then, as he kept his gaze fixed on one spot, he saw 
something which seemed to chill his heart. It was two 
small balls of greenish-red fire, and they looked right at 
him. At the same time there came to the boy’s ears the 
sound of an angry snarl. 


/ 


CHAPTER VIII 


FIGHTING A WILD-CAT 

For one fearful moment Roger felt a cold chill go creeping 
down his spine, and he shivered in dread at the nameless 
thing which stood growling there before him. He knew 
it must be some kind of a wild beast, but what he hardly 
dared think. 

A bear ! ” he whispered, and he shrank closer against 
the tree. Then he recalled what his aunt had said when 
Mr. Kimball had joked about the denizens of the forest. 
She said there were no bears. 

Kothing worse than wild-cats,’’ he remembered she 
had told him, and, though to the frightened boy this was 
terrible enough, he was glad to know it was not a bear 
which he could dimly see the outline of. 

The thing, whatever it was, kept up its short, angry 
snarls, and Roger could hear the sharp claws tearing at the 
bark of the fallen log. He gazed at the two circles of 
greenish-red fire in a sort of fascination. 

Just then the whole forest seemed to be flooded with a 
soft light that stole in among the trees and sifted down 
through the leaves. It was the moon that had risen high 
enough above the hills to give its illumination to the scene. 
By the glowing beams Roger could make out the animal 


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about fifteen feet from him, crouching low on a fallen tree. 
It was a beast perhaps two feet long, with a tail that 
swished from side to side, and it had little short ears that 
seemed pointed toward him, to catch the sound of any 
movement he might make. He could see the paws with 
which the wild-cat, for such he knew it must be, held its 
position on the log, by digging the knife-like claws into 
the soft bark. He could see the little chips and slivers 
fly off, while the growls changed to a half -whining cry. 

For a moment the boy looked about in desperation, seek- 
ing which way to flee. Off to the left he seemed to observe 
a little larger opening between the trees than anywhere 
else. He sprang toward it with a bound. 

Ere he had gone a dozen steps, stumbling in the half 
darkness over sticks and stones, the wild-cat turned quickly, 
and with a light leap was before him, waiting, waiting, 
waiting. The boy stopped short with a shudder. He was 
very much afraid. Though the beast was not large, and 
though it did not impress him half as much as did the 
tigers and lions he had seen in Central Park, yet there was 
something terrifying in the calm way it faced him. 

It appeared to know there was nothing between itself 
and the defenceless boy, and that no help was at hand. 
Though the beast was not half as big as Roger, he knew 
the sharp claws and sharper teeth would cause death, if 
once the animal got up courage enough to attack him. That 
this was its intention the boy had no doubt, though he was 
sure the wild-cats to be found in the mountains about Car- 
diff were more a danger and menace to chickens and lambs 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


71 


than to human beings. The brutes were usually too 
cowardly to attack man. But perhaps the night, the small- 
ness of the hoy and his apparent terror had made the cat 
devoid of fear. At any rate, it seemed to Roger to he ugly 
and hold enough to spring at him any minute. 

Foiled in his plan to escape, the boy returned to the 
log where he had been sitting. This was close against a 
big tree, and he felt that, with his back to this, he was, 
in some measure, protected; at least from an attack in 
the rear. As he retraced his steps the cat kept pace with 
him, until both boy and beast were in the same relative 
positions they had first occupied. 

Roger now saw that it was to be a battle between himself 
and the wild-cat, and he nerved himself for the fight. Had 
he dared, he would have turned and run, but he seemed 
to see the cat come bounding after him, with big leaps 
and jumps, and crouching for a final spring upon his 
back. Then he recalled, with a shudder, what he had read 
of the terrible tearing power of the claws of these animals. 
So there was but one thing to do with any hope of success. 
That was to stand and fight off the beast as long as possible. 
But what weapons had he? He hurriedly felt in his 
pockets and all he could find was a small knife, which he 
knew would be of little use when it came to close quarters. 
A stick, a club, or a stone would be of more service. Yes, 
that would be better; a club, so Roger stooped down, and 
while he kept his eyes fastened on the cat he groped about 
on the ground with his hands to see what was there. He 
felt his fingers close over a stout cudgel, and he rose, grasp- 


72 


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ing it firmly, and stood with his feet braced for the shock. 
He was less frightened now that he had some sort of a 
weapon, poor as it was, and he knew he could meet the 
attack on more even terms. 

And it was high time he had thus prepared, for the cat 
now crouched lower than before on the log and its claws 
worked more quickly, as Roger could see by the light of 
the moon, which had risen higher. 

He noticed the short ears pointed forward on the ugly 
head and the parted lips disclosed the sharp white teeth. 
There was a convulsive tremor of the lithe body, and then, 
from the opened mouth came a cry so dismal, so weird and 
terrifying to the boy that he shivered in fear, and felt 
his heart go thumping away under his ribs. The next 
instant the wild-cat launched itself forward with a spring, 
straight at the boyish figure that stood ready to meet it. 

With a quick motion Roger lifted the short, heavy club, 
and then, as he saw the beast directly in front of him, 
he gave a half turn, so that the animal would sail past to 
the left. At the same time he brought the stick down with 
all his force, aiming at the ugly head. He missed this 
spot, but struck just behind it, as the brute passed him, 
and so close was the cat that the claws in its nearest hind 
leg caught the lower part of the boy’s coat and tore it 
as if a sharp knife had cut it. The brute landed some five 
feet beyond Roger, letting out a mingled howl of pain and 
rage. 

But the fight had only begun, and Roger knew if the 
wild thing returned to the attack with the energy it had 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


73 


displayed at first he could scarcely hope to beat it off again. 
However, the animal seemed disposed to practise a little 
caution now and to be a trifle wary about repeating its 
jump. The boy turned partly around and saw the beast 
come to a sudden stop. Then it swung about and, making 
a little circle, ran quickly and leaped lightly upon the 
fallen log, where it crouched, ready for another spring. 

But now Roger seemed to feel the deadly fear leaving 
him, and he almost rejoiced in the thought of the battle 
that was to come, even though he knew it was likely to 
result badly for himself. He had passed through the first 
scrimmage and, like a soldier who has once been under 
fire, he almost wished for another skirmish in the struggle. 

He watched the animal with sharp eyes and was glad 
to find the light increasing, as the moon rose more above 
the trees, though the leaves through which the beams came 
made uncertain shadows. Then the boy detected some 
movement on the part of the beast and saw that the cat, 
instead of crouching for another spring, had crawled out 
on the log toward the end that was in deepest gloom. 

I wonder what he ’s up to now ? ” said Roger, softly. 

He could hear the brute leap on the soft wood-carpet 
of moss and dried leaves, and then the grayish body 
seemed to fade away. But Roger knew the animal had 
not left him. It was trying to sneak up behind him, so as 
to leap on his back, he felt, and the boy turned to face 
in that direction. As he did so he heard a noise near the 
log where the cat had just been crouching, and he turned 
quickly to catch a glimpse of the long slender form pass- 


74 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


ing rapidly by in the semi-darkness. For a moment Roger 
was puzzled, and then it came to him like a flash. The 
beast was racing about him in a circle! 

He did not know what to do, and while he hesitated 
sorely alarmed, with the fear tugging at his heart again, 
the cat passed in front of him once more. 

Only this time the animal was farther from the log and 
nearer to the boy. Roger knew that the brute would 
narrow the circles until it was close enough to spring at 
him, and, under these circumstances, it was impossible to 
tell from which point the dangerous leap might come. 
Surely the boy was in grave danger now, and he felt it 
keenly. He backed up clo^e against the tree, but this was 
scarcely any protection, as the trunk was not large enough. 
Yet he dared not leave it to seek another. 

The cat continued to run about him in ever smaller 
curves. Roger raised his club and waited in an agony 
of suspense — waited to see the tense body come sailing 
toward him — waited to feel the sharp claws and cruel 
teeth. 

Up to this moment he had held the club in one hand, 
but, thinking to use it with greater force, he now took 
hold with both right and left. As he did so, he noticed 
that in his left hand he still held his knife. He was about 
to cast it from him, not wanting to risk putting it in his 
pocket, when his fingers touched something that seemed 
to be caught in the slot-like opening of the handle where 
the blades went. The knife was a two-bladed one, but 
the smaller bit of steel had been broken off, and, where 


TEE WHITE CRYSTALS 


75 


this should have fitted Eoger was conscious that some- 
thing had lodged in the handle. He hurriedly felt of it. 

It was a match ! 

How his heart thrilled. Here was a means of safety. 
Wild animals fear a blaze. With this match which he 
had found so unexpectedly he could kindle a fire. 

How he had a chance of holding the wild-cat at bay 
until morning. With his feet he scraped together some 
dry leaves into a little heap. Then, watching until the 
animal had once more passed between him and the log, 
he stooped over. 

But, after all, there was only a slim chance in his 
favor. The match might be a burned one, it might miss 
fire, or go out before he had an opportunity to kindle the 
leaves, or the leaves themselves might he too damp to 
burn. All these thoughts came to him on the instant. 
But there was no time to lose. He struck the match on 
the leg of his trousers. It sputtered, fused, and flared 
brightly. Then it almost died away, and Roger’s heart 
grew like lead. A little wind sprang up and threatened 
to extinguish the tiny flame. But though it almost left 
the wood it did not blow off altogether, and once again 
it burned strongly. 

Eoger leaned over toward the pile of debris. He held 
the match to it. Some of the dried foliage hissed and 
smoked, for it was damp. But a little wisp of dried 
grass caught. This blazed up with a crackle. The flames 
communicated to the leaves, which soon began to ignite, 
though not brightly, and with more smoke than fire. How 


76 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


anxiously did the boy watch them, for it meant safety, 
if not life, to him. His heart seemed almost to be suf- 
focating him with its beating. Then the dried stuff 
caught the flames well and burned with a spurt of Are 
and sparks. 

The next instant there was a rush from behind Roger. 
He half turned and rose from his stooping position over 
the blaze. There came whizzing through the air the body 
of the beast, as if shot from a catapult. 

Its forepaws struck the boy on the shoulders, and he 
could feel, for a half second, the prick of the sharp claws 
through his coat. The force of the leap threw him forward, 
and though he tried to save himself, though he bravely 
endeavored to strike the beast with his club, he felt himself 
sinking beneath the weight of the cat. He hit the ground 
with considerable force, close to the Are, so near, indeed, 
that the flames, which had increased, felt hot on his face. 

Then there was a howl and a yelp of pain and surprise 
from the brute, followed by a roar. Roger felt the cruel 
claws sinking deeper into his flesh. He screamed in 
agony, and then to his great wonderment he noted a sud- 
den ceasing of the weight that was pressing him down. 
The claws no longer stuck into him, and the cat leaped from 
his hack. Like a flash the boy rolled over, to get away 
from the fire which had spread and was scorching him. 

Then he ventured to rise to his knees. He saw the wild- 
cat sneaking off in the darkness. The burning leaves had 
served their purpose and frightened the animal away. 

\Miile the boy stood there, his heart palpitating with 




THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


77 


fright, he suddenly saw a bright streak, like a sliver of 
flame, shoot through the trees in front of him. Accom- 
panying it there was the sharp report of a rifle, followed 
by a wild howl of agony. By the combined light of the 
fire and the moon Roger saw the cat leap high in the air. 

There was a crackle of broken tree limbs, as the beast 
fell back. Then something else stirred in the woods, and 
into the circle of the blaze stalked a tall dark man whose 
face exhibited the features of an Indian, and who, after 
a glance at the boy, uttered one word : 

Sagoola!’’ 


CHAPTER IX 


OUT OF THE WOODS 

Eor nearly a minute Roger stood and stared at the Indian, 
who, despite his modern clothes was yet sufficiently a red- 
man to make the boy wonder how in the world he ever came 
there. On his side the newcomer glanced at Roger by the 
light of the flickering Are, and a smile came on his bronzed 
face. 

Sagoola ! Sagoola ! he repeated. How do ! ” 

Oh ! ” said Roger, faintly comprehending that his 
companion had only greeted him in the Indian tongue. 

Oh, how do you do yourself ? ” 

Fine — good,” answered the Indian. 

I ^m glad you came along just when you did,” went on 
Roger. The wild-cat had me down, and I thought I was a 
goner.” 

Hu ! ” grunted the redman. Smart hoy. Light 
fire. Wild-cat heap ’fraid fire. Ole Johnny Green shoot 
’um.” 

J ohnny Green ? ” repeated Roger in an inquiring 
tone. 

^^Yep. Me ole Johnny Green. My boy, he young 
Johnny Green.” 


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79 


Why, I thought Indians had different names from 
that,’’ said the boy. Names like Yellow Tail, Eagle Eye, 
and Big Thunder.” 

Hu ! Good names wild Injun. Me tame Injun. 
Have tame name. Live to Eeservation at Castle. Where 
yo’ from ? ” 

My name is Roger Anderson,” and he spoke slowly, 
so his new friend would have no trouble in understanding, 
I am staying with my uncle, Bert Kimball, at Cardiff, 
and got lost in the woods. I was riding with my cousin, 
and the horse ran away.” 

Bert Kimball yo’ say yo’ uncle ? ” 

Yes.” 

Over by Cardiff?” 

Yes, do you know him ? ” 

Sure, sartin. Bert an’ me good frens. Yo’ loss ? ” 

Well, I guess that ’s what you ’d call it ; I’m lost,” 
admitted Roger, whose spirits had improved very much in 
the last few minutes. He was no longer in fear of the 
wild-cat, and, as for the Indian, he thought, rightly, that he 
need he in no worry as to his intentions, though it was 
the first time he knew how near he was to an Indian 
encampment. 

He briefiy explained how he had come to he in the woods, 
and then he waited to see what Johnny Green would pro- 
pose. The Indian stood his rifle up against a tree, stalked 
off into the darkness, and returned presently, lugging the 
body of the wild-cat, which he threw on the ground near the 
smouldering fire. Seeing that the blaze was dying out for 


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lack of fuel, Roger cast on some twigs and branches, until 
the flames leaped up brightly. Johnny Green squatted 
doAvn on a log, and Roger followed his example. For a 
moment there was silence between them. Then the Indian 
spoke. 

Rot much good for eat,’’ he said, indicating the carcass 
of the dead animal he had shot. Radder have coon. Fur 
of ’um good; that all.” 

Were you out hunting coons ? ” asked Roger, and 
J ohnny Green nodded that he was. 

Will you show me the way back home, when you are 
through hunting ? ” asked the boy, after a pause. 

The Indian nodded his head once more, to indicate that 
he would act as guide. He looked to the loading of his rifle, 
and then proceeded to tie the legs of his prize. He slung 
the body about his neck, picked up his gun, and looking 
at Roger, said : Come ’long. We go to Bert Kimball. 
I show yo’.” 

He paused to trample out the embers of the fire, that it 
might not spread in the dry woods, and then he started 
off through the forest, seeming to strike the path without 
even looking for it. Roger hesitated a moment, then 
followed. 

The boy kept close behind his guide, who walked at 
rather a swift pace, as though he was on a country road, 
instead of being in the depths of the wood, with only a 
pale moon, now half obscured by clouds to light him. The 
boy could not help admiring the unhesitating manner in 
which the Indian picked his way through the maze of trees. 


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81 


It was what might be expected of a wild Indian, Koger 
thought; of one who had lived all his life in the open. 
But here was apparently a civilized redman, who had not 
a chance to exercise his woodcraft in years, perhaps. Yet 
he made no false steps and moved as swiftly through the 
dark woods as Roger could have done on a brilliantly 
lighted street. It must be a sort of animal instinct the 
boy concluded. 

For a few minutes after he started Roger could not help 
feeling a bit distrustful. How could he be sure that the 
Indian was what he said he was? How could he know 
that Johnny Green would guide him safely to his uncle^s 
house ? Once he was almost on the point of turning back, 
but the thought of the dark forest into which he would 
have to plunge, without knowing where the path was, and 
the fear that there were hiding behind the trees more and 
uglier wild animals than he had yet encountered, deterred 
him. 

Besides, Johnny Green did not seem to care much 
whether the boy followed him or not. He had promised 
to guide him out of the wood, and if Roger did n’t want 
to be taken home, what concern was it of Johnny Green’s? 
Reasoning thus, the boy concluded it must be all right, and 
then he began to follow with swift steps, keeping up as 
well as he was able, with his silent leader. 

In what seemed to Roger to be a very short time, he and 
Johnny Green emerged from the deeper forest into a sort 
of clearing, where a number of trees had been cut down. 
Traversing this was a rough wagon road, used, it seemed, 
6 


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bj the wood choppers. Johnny Green struck into this with 
a grunt of satisfaction at the easier going, and he increased 
his pace so that Roger, exhausted and wearied as he was, 
found it difficult to keep his guide in sight. Perhaps the 
Indian heard the boy breathing rather heavy because of 
the exertions, or he might have recalled that his legs were 
longer and tougher than his companion’s. At any rate, 
J ohnny Green slackened his pace, and Roger was glad of it. 
Half a mile of travel along the wood trail brought the 
two out into the main road, and Roger, feeling the hard- 
packed dirt under his feet, saw that he was on the same 
highway where he and Adrian had driven with the grapes. 
It seemed almost a week ago, though it was but a few hours. 
There was considerable light now, even though the clouds 
did darken the moon at times, and Roger could distinguish 
dimly the fields, fenced in and extending to right and left 
away from the road. 

Tree mile now,” grunted Johnny Green. It was the 
first time he had spoken since they started. 

To where ? ” asked Roger. 

Tree mile Bert Kimball,” and the boy was glad to 
learn how near home he was. It was slightly down hill 
going now, and the walking was good, so both stepped out 
at a lively pace. The night was chilly, and the damp wind 
made Roger shiver, so he was glad of the vigorous exercise 
that kept his blood in circulation. It was lonesome too, 
even though Johnny Green was just ahead of him, and the 
boy listened, with a sort of dread, to the mournful hooting 
of the owls, the cheeping of the tree-toads and the chirping 


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83 


of the crickets. For some time the two kept on in silence. 
Then the Indian suddenly halted in the middle of the road. 
He bent his head as if to catch some sound in the distance. 

Hark ! ” he cautioned, and held up his hand warningly. 

Eoger stopped. Yes, there was some noise quite a way 
in front, but at first its character could not be distin- 
guished. Then in a few moments it resolved into a sort 
of confused shouting. 

What yo’ name?’’ asked Johnny Green, turning 
quickly to the boy at his side. 

Eoger.” 

They callin’ yo’,” he announced. Bert Kimball 
I tink.” 

Is it?” joyfully. 

Yep. Listen.” 

Faintly Eoger heard a voice shouting. He could make 
out no words, however. It increased his respect for J ohnny 
Green’s attainments that the Indian could understand a 
name called from such a distance. 

Then Eoger’s companion raised his voice in a long, loud, 
shrill, far-carrying halloo : “ Hi ! Bert Kimball ! Here 
yo’ hoy Eoger ! ” 

There came an answering shout, in which the boy could 
scarcely distinguish his own name, and he, too, cried out: 

Here I am. Uncle Bert ! I ’m all right ! ” 

A few minutes later there flashed from behind a bend 
in the road the gleam of a lantern, and soon another flicker- 
ing light appeared. Eoger ran toward them, and Johnny 
Green hurried on also. Hearer and nearer came the lights, 


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and then in a few minutes the seekers and the lost were 
together. 

While Adrian, who was with his father, was shaking 
hands with Roger and telling him how glad he was to see 
him again, Mr. Kimball was exchanging greetings with 
the Indian and looking at the wild-cat slung across his 
shoulders. It did n^t take long for Roger to tell his experi- 
ence, and the words of praise that came from his uncle 
and cousin, at his wise and brave conduct in the fight with 
the beast, more than repaid him for the fright and discom- 
fort he had undergone. The cuts and scratches on his 
hack proved to be only slight ones, when Mr. Kimball 
insisted on looking at them by the light of the lanterns. 

Ye got off mighty lucky,’’ commented the farmer, as 
Roger put on his coat again. 

What happened ? ” asked Roger of Adrian. Did 
something scare the horse ? ” 

The wagon struck a stone,” explained Adrian, and 
you were pitched out. I suppose you must have lost your 
senses by hitting your head on the hard ground. I tried 
to grab you when I saw you going, and I must have fright- 
ened the horse, for he bolted as if a bear was after him. 
I guess it was the first time he ever ran away and he rather 
liked it, for he never stopped galloping until I got to 
Enberry Took’s house, though I sawed on the lines for all 
I was worth. AYhen I found I was so near home I thought 
I ’d better go on, put the rig up, and get dad to come back 
with me to find you, for I thought we ’d meet you walking 
in. We figured on seeing you within the first mile, but 


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85 


you must have turned around and gone back toward Tully. 
We went slow, for it was dark at first, and we did n’t want 
to miss you. It was lucky you happened to find that one 
match in your knife, was n’t it ? ” 

It was luckier that Johnny Green came along just 
when he did,” said Roger, or the fire might not have done 
me much good.” 

Wa’al, I reckon it ’s lucky all around,” interposed 
Mr. Kimball. Kow, ef it ’s all th’ same t’ ye two hoys, 
we ’ll git ’long hum, ’n’ relieve th’ women folks, fer they 
most bed a caniption fit when they heard what happened.” 

So the four started on toward Cardiff, the two boys walk- 
ing behind Mr. Kimball and Johnny Green. 

Say,” began Roger in a low tone, ‘^is he a real Indian ?” 

Sure,” replied Adrian. He ’s one of the Onondaga 
tribe. There ’s a reservation of them at a place they call 
the Castle, which is what they name their Council House. 
It ’s about three miles from Cardiff. I meant to tell you 
about them, but I forgot it. They ’re full-blooded Indians, 
hut they ’re not wild, though some of the older ones were 
once, I suppose. We ’ll take a trip down and see ’em soon, 
and get ’em to make us some bows and arrows. Most of 
’em know dad, from buying honey from him.” 

Without further incident the little party reached Car- 
diff. \Wiile Roger, with his uncle and cousin turned in 
at the welcome farmhouse, Johnny Green, with a grunted 
good night, kept on to his cabin. Roger found his aunt 
and pretty cousin waiting for him in great anxiety, 
and very glad indeed were they to see him again, and to 


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learn that lie had come to no great harm, though he had 
been in grave danger. Mrs. Kimball insisted on putting 
some home-made salve on the cuts and scratches in Roger’s 
back, which were now beginning to smart a little, though 
they were not deep. 

That stuff ’ll draw the soreness out,” said Mrs. 
Kimball. 

It feels good, at any rate,” said Roger. 

Kow I reckon you ’ll like some supper,” went on his 
aunt, bustling about. 

Supper ? Breakfust ’d be nearer th’ mark,” spoke up 
Mr. Kimball, looking at his big silver watch, which showed 
two o’clock. 

Anything, as long as it ’s something to eat,” said 
Roger. I ’m as hungry as a bear.” 

Or a wild-cat,” laughed Clara, as she set the coffee 
on to boil. 

A few minutes later they all drew up to the table with 
good appetites, for when the others heard what happened 
to Roger they had been in no mood for supper earlier in 
the evening. 

The whole story had to be gone over again by Roger, 
and when he had finished Mr. Kimball packed them all 
off to bed. 


CHAPTEE X 


BAD NEWS 

Eoger slept late that morning, and his aunt would not let 
Adrian awaken him, much as the country hoy desired to 
hear more of his cousin’s adventures. It was almost ten 
o’clock when Eoger came downstairs, rubbing his eyes. 
He found no one about the house but Clara, who greeted 
him with a smile and an invitation to sit down to a fresh 
hot breakfast she had prepared. 

Well, I must say I ’m getting into lazy ways,” was 
the boy’s remark. “ I ’m used to getting up earlier than 
this when I ’m home. Where ’s everybody except you ? ” 

Oh, father ’s picking some apples, Ade ’s gone up in 
the vineyard, mother ’s gone over to Mrs. Took’s to borrow 
some molasses, the hired man ’s picking cucumbers, and 
I—” 

“ You have to stay home to bother getting me some 
breakfast,” finished Eoger. I ’m sorry to put you to so 
much trouble.” 

It is n’t any trouble at all,” protested Clara, earnestly. 

Mother said you must have a good sleep to make up for 


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what you lost last night. My! But you must have been 
frightened. How ’s your back ? We ’re all so glad you 
are safe that you can sleep until noon if you want to. 
Did you dream of wild-cats and Indians ? ” 

Answering your last question first, I will say I did n’t 
dream at all,” said Roger, smiling. As for my back, 
I ’d hardly know I was scratched. That ’s fine salve. 
I ’ve had plenty of sleep, thank you, and I feel very 
well. Quite ready for breakfast, too, for I ’m hungry,” 
he added, as he sat down in front of the nicely browned 
cakes, the hot coffee, and the meat. He ate heartily, and 
just as he finished his aunt came in from the neighbor’s. 
She was glad to see he had suffered no ill effects from his 
exposure in the woods, and his encounter with the wild-cat. 
While he was talking to Mrs. Kimball and Clara, Adrian 
came to the house. 

Sagoola ! ” said the country hoy, smiling at his cousin. 

Sagoola ! ” replied Roger. Say, Ade, what does that 
mean ? Johnny Green called it to me when he met me in 
the woods. I had to guess at it.” 

That ’s Onondaga Indian for ^ How do you do ? ’ or 
‘ Hello ! ’ just as it happens.” 

Oh,” said Roger, comprehending. Well, I sagoola 
pretty well. How are you ? ” 

Same.” 

Say,” broke in Mr. Kimball, who had come in unper- 
ceived, I want t’ say you boys was purty smart t’ pitch 
in ’n’ sell them grapes th’ way ye did arter ye found 
Andrews did n’t want ’em. Mighty smart ’n’ good I call 


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89 


it. Too bad ye bed t’ bev a accident jest when ye was 
gittin’ back, but then it come out all right. Each a’ ye is 
entitled t’ a dollar fer tb’ day’s work.” 

We did n’t do it for money,” spoke up Roger, and 
besides, I only helped a little bit.” 

I know all ’bout tbet,” said Mr. Kimball, but ye got 
a leetle better price ’n Andrews would ’a’ paid, ’n’ I ’m 
used t’ givin’ commissions on sales, so it ’s a matter a’ 
business ’itb me.” 

He pulled out a canvas bag from deep in bis trousers 
pocket, extracted from it two big shining silver dollars, 
and gave one to each of the boys. 

Thar ’s yer pay,” he said. Mind, I ain’t givin’ it 
t’ ye. Ye aimed it fair ’n’ square, ’n’ ye kin do jest’s 
ye like ’itb it.” 

The money was more than either of the boys were in 
the habit of receiving except, perhaps, around Christmas, 
and they hardly knew what to do with the coin. Roger 
held his in an undecided manner. 

I ’ll tell you what we ’ll do,” said Adrian. This 
will do to buy some ammunition with, and we can go 
squirrel hunting. I was just wishing for some cash to 
get the cartridges, and now we have it. Did you ever go 
after squirrels, Roger ? ” 

I never had a chance.” 

Well, we ’ll go some day next week. I ’ve got a gun, 
and I can borrow Porter Amidown’s for you. It ’ll be 
lots of sport, and besides, we can get a mess of squirrels 
for dinner, and that ’ll save buying meat.” 


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I ’ll wait ’til I see yer squirrels ’fore I let tli’ butcher 
go by,” remarked Mrs. Kimball, dryly. 

Wa’al, I ’ve got t’ git back t’ tb’ orchard,” said 
Mr. Kimball, after a pause, and he left to resume his 
work. 

Want to come up in the vineyard and watch me pick 
grapes ? ” asked Adrian of his cousin. 

I ’ll come up if you ’ll let me help a little,” agreed 
the city boy. “ I don’t want to simply look on.” 

Kow ye must be careful, Roger,” cautioned Mrs. Kim- 
ball. Land, a body ’d never think ye ’d spent all night 
in th’ woods, keepin’ company ’ith a wild-cat thet most 
took yer skin off. Don’t ye go t’ pickin’ grapes ’n’ openin’ 
th’ sores agin. Ef ye go Ade ’ll hev t’ make ye keep 
still.” 

All right, mother,” agreed Roger’s cousin, and the two 
boys started off. 

The place where the grapes grew was on the side of a 
gently sloping hill, about a quarter of a mile back of the 
house. The vines were twined over wires strung between 
posts, and were planted in rows about ten feet apart, so 
there was plenty of chance for the sun to get at the fruit. 
Old Sol’s rays being needed to ripen the big purple, red, 
and white clusters. The boys walked up a little path back 
of the farmhouse, through the barnyard, up past the corn- 
crib, and the melon patch, past the yard where a flock of 
white Wyandotte chickens were cackling, and so on, up 
to where the air was fragrant ivith the bloom of the 
grapes. 


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91 


I ’m picking Wordens,” said Adrian, referring to the 
variety of the fruit he was gathering. 

How many kinds have you ? ” asked Koger. 

'^Well, we’ve got Concords, Isabellas, Niagaras, Dela- 
wares, Wordens, and Catawbas.” 

I thought all grapes were alike.” 

They ’re as different as people,” said Adrian. Some 
folks won’t eat anything but Concords. Others want Wor- 
dens, and I like them best myself, but dad, he won’t eat 
any but the white Niagaras.” 

Adrian reached over, cut off a big bunch of purple 
beauties, and ate them, while Roger did likewise, and it 
seemed that he had never before tasted such sweet grapes. 
The ones he occasionally had in New York were not nearly 
as fresh and good as these, right off the vines. 

Well,” announced Adrian finally, throwing down the 
cleaned-off stem, I must get to work. I ’ve only got to 
fill forty more baskets, and then I can have the rest of the 
day to myself.” 

In between the rows of vines he had scattered small 
unfilled grape baskets. These were to be packed with the 
ripe bunches and loaded on a wheelbarrow, to be taken 
to the barn, and then the next day they would be sent to 
Syracuse. Adrian began to work, and Roger insisted that 
at least he be allowed to scatter the empty receptacles 
where they would be handy for his cousin. He also took the 
filled ones out to the end of the rows as Adrian finished 
with each. 

Snip-snap went the scissors Adrian used to cut off 


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the finest bunches. Before laying them in the baskets 
he removed any spoiled or imperfect fruit, so that the 
clusters would present a uniformly fine appearance, and 
bring a better price than if sent to market carelessly. 
Adrian worked rapidly, now that he did not have to stop 
to distribute the empty baskets or carry the full ones to 
the end of the row, and in much shorter time than Roger 
expected the forty were filled. As he placed the last one 
on the wheelbarrow Adrian remarked: 

Well, that ’s done. Want to go to Cardiff now ? ” 
for that was the way every one spoke of going up to the 
centre of the village. 

Would we have time to go to the Indian Reservation ? ’’ 
asked Roger, eagerly, for he had been thinking with antici- 
pation all the morning of the news he had heard concerning 
the near location of the redmen. 

Well, hardly before dinner,” replied Adrian. It ’a 
three miles there. But we can go this afternoon.” 

Then let ’s go.” 

All right. We ’ll take a rest until the dinner horn 
blows.” 

So the boys went down to the barn with the last of the 
grapes. As they approached they were greeted by the 
barking of a dog, and a brown setter ran out to gambol 
about Adrian. 

Whose dog ? ” asked Roger, looking at the beautiful 
animal. 

^^Mine,” replied Adrian. ^^He ran off to the woods 
Saturday, and he must have just come back. He does it 


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93 


every once in a while. Gets sort of wild and likes to 
strike out for himself. But he ’s always glad to come 
back. Hi! Jack, old fellow!” and Adrian, setting the 
wheelbarrow down, ran along swiftly, to be followed by 
the joyfully barking dog. 

The two had a regular romp on the grass. 

Here, old chap! ” called Adrian, suddenly, and Jack 
stopped short in his running to look at his young master 
with bright eyes and cocked-up ears. “ Come here, sir ! 
I ’ll introduce you to my cousin Koger.” 

Adrian led the dog by one ear up to Koger. The 
intelligent animal sniffed the boy a bit, and then 
the tail which had dropped began to wag quickly to 
and fro. 

He likes you all right,” announced Adrian. Shake 
hands with him. Jack.” 

The animal lifted his right paw up to Koger, who took 
it in his hand. 

He ’s a fine bird dog,” commented Adrian, the intro- 
duction over. We ’ll take him along when we go hunting.” 

Then Jack decided he was hungry, so he raced to the 
house, barking loudly. The boys took the grapes into the 
barn, and after they had been stowed away, Adrian lifted 
from a basket two large fine muskmelons. Hext he pro- 
duced a knife and a small bag of salt, when he and Roger 
proceeded to eat the fruit. 

This is the way dad and I like our melons,” he an- 
nounced to his cousin, as he cut off a luscious slice. It 
didn’t take long to finish the fruit, and about an hour 


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later, after they had amused themselves by jumping around 
in the hay, they were quite ready for dinner, when they 
heard Mrs. Kimball blow the horn vigorously. They 
announced at the table their intention of going to the 
Indian Castle, and after the meal was over and they had 
rested up a bit they started. Jack the dog barking joyously 
on ahead of them. 

The way to the Reservation, or the Castle, as every one 
in Cardiff called it, was up the main road to the north, a 
long level stretch of highway, lying between pleasant 
farm lands. The three miles seemed rather short to Roger, 
and after a little more than an hour’s tramp, they came 
to a group of log cabins. 

What are those ? asked the city boy. 

Indian houses.’’ 

Is that where they live ? I thought they had tents,” 
and Roger’s voice showed his disappointment. 

These are n’t wild Indians,” said Adrian. They 
have to live here all the year. The government gives them 
this land and they raise crops on it, or rather their 
squaws do ; for the Indians let the women do most of the 
work, same as they did when Columbus discovered this 
country, as we read in our history books.” 

Just then, at the door of one of the cabins, appeared 
a man who seemed to be a negro, and Roger could see 
several dark-skinned children peeping out from behind 
the man. 

What are colored folks doing on the Reservation, 
Adrian?” 


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95 


They ’re not colored ; that ’s an Indian. He ’s Pete 
Smith. You see lots of the Indians are very dark, and they 
look a little like negroes at a distance.” 

Well, he certainly don’t look like the Indians you see 
in pictures,” commented Koger. 

The boys kept on. The little log cabins became more 
numerous now, and in the fields about them could be 
observed many Indian squaws at work, husking corn or 
gathering pumpkins and tomatoes. Once in a while a male 
Indian would be seen at work, probably because he had 
no squaw. 

The boys now approached a cabin larger than any of 
the others near it. Adrian, coming opposite it, pointed to 
something fastened on the front wall. 

Do you know what that is ? ” he asked his cousin. 

What ? Where ? ” 

Tacked up on the side of the cabin.” 

Oh, that ? Why, it looks like a piece of fur.” 

Don’t you know what it is ? ” 

Ho.” 

That ’s the varmint which tried to eat you up last 
night.” 

Hot the wild-cat ? ” 

The very same. This is where J ohnny Green lives. 
He ’s skinned the animal. That ’s its hide.” 

Eoger stared with much interest at the fur, stretched 
out to tan. A few hours before it had been a wild-cat bent 
on doing him mischief. Just then Johnny Green stalked 
out of his cabin. 


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Sagoola ! ’’ he exclaimed, pleasantly, grinning expan- 
sively in recognition of Roger and Adrian. 

Sagoola ! ” replied Adrian. Glad to -see you, Johnny. 
Get home all right last night ? ’’ 

Sartin, sure. Got coon, too.” 

You did? Where?” 

Down back Bill Eaton’s place. Here um hide,” and 
he held up the pelt of a raccoon he had shot and skinned. 

Have you got any bows and arrows you don’t want ? ” 
asked Adrian, with the freedom of an old acquaintance. 

Mebby so,” grinned Johnny, and he went back into 
his cabin to return with two small but well-made hickory 
bows and several arrows, feather tipped, but with blunt 
ends. He gave the weapons to the boys, who thanked him 
heartily. 

Stop and get some honey when you ’re up our way,” 
said Adrian, giving the invitation as a sort of payment 
for the gift. Then the boys kept on. 

They walked to nearly the centre of the Reservation, 
where the Castle, as the long white Council House was 
called, stood. It was the most substantial building in the 
Indian village, being constructed of boards. 

The braves have their green com and succotash dance 
here every year,” explained Adrian. They had one 
about two months ago. I wish you ’d been here. They 
give a regular performance like a war dance, only it ’s to 
make the Great^pirit, so they think, give a good corn 
harvest. The Indians rattle dried corn in bladders and 
circle about the middle of the room, howling and shouting 


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97 


as if they were crazy. It ’s great, I tell you. Dad took 
me once.” 

I ’d like to have seen it,” said Koger. Maybe I ’ll 
stay until next year; then I can.” 

From the Castle the boys went to the bridge which 
spanned a little stream that flowed through the Indian 
village. 

They say a terrible battle was once fought along this 
creek,” said Adrian, as they cast pebbles into the brook. 

The early white settlers in this part of the country and 
the old Onondaga Indians pitched into each other right 
on the bank of this stream, and lots were killed on both 
sides. The story goes that the waters ran red with blood 
that day, and even to the present time the Indians 
here have a name for this creek which means ^ bloody 
water.’ ” 

Well,” said Eoger, after they had been walking about 
for some time looking at the different sights, I guess 
we ’d better be getting back. Had n’t we ? It ’ll be pretty 
near dark when we reach Cardiff.” 

Adrian agreed with him. The sun was already dipping 
well over toward the western hills, and whistling to Jack, 
who was romping about with some Indian dogs, Adrian 
and Koger started homeward. They tried shooting with 
their bows, sending the arrows far on ahead of them and 
then picking them up, to give them another flight into the 
air. They moved on briskly, and just as the sun was 
sinking out of sight, they arrived at Hank Mack’s store. 
A few minutes later the boys were at their home. They 

7 


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stopped at the spouting spring for a drink of cool, spark- 
ling water, and then entered the house. 

They had no sooner reached the kitchen than they were 
aware that something had occurred. Mr. Kimball was 
standing in the middle of the floor, holding a letter in his 
hand. Mrs. Kimball sat in a chair, and it could be seen 
that she had been crying. Clara stood near her mother. 

Wh — what ’s the matter ? ’’ asked Adrian, in great 
alarm. Has something happened ? ” 

For a moment no one answered him. 

What is it, dad,’’ he persisted, bad news ? ” 

Yep, son, it ’s bad news,” replied his father, brokenly. 

What is it?” 

Th’ money your father invested in railroad sheers is 
all lost,” burst out Mrs. Kimball, ’n’ Kate Jackson has 
wrote t’ say he ’s goin’ t’ foreclose th’ mortgage.” 

This was bad news indeed, and Adrian sank limply in 
a chair, while Eoger looked helplessly on. 


CHAPTEK XI 


COPPEE AND OLD BONES 

Though Roger and Adrian knew little of the business con- 
nected with mortgages and railroad shares, they realized 
nevertheless, that something serious had occurred. Adrian 
never recalled seeing his father look so helpless and wor- 
ried but once before, and that had been when his mother 
was dangerously ill. Mr. Kimball’s face was pale, and 
his blue eyes, usually so bright and snapping, were dull, 
and seemed to he gazing at something far away. 

For a moment after Mrs. Kimball’s announcement no 
one spoke. Then, as a man recovering from some heavy 
blow, the farmer straightened up, shook himself like a 
big dog emerging from the water, and said: 

Wa’al, boys, it ’s true, jest ’s mother here says. It ’s 
bad news, sure ’nuff, ’n’ I don’t know when I ’ve bin so 
knocked out. It ’s so suddint, jest like one a’ them heavy 
thunder claps thet comes on ye ’fore ye know there ’s a 
storm brewin’.” 

Is it very bad ? ” asked Adrian, softly. Is all the 
money gone ? Can’t you get any of it back ? ” 

Seems not, son. Leastwise ef I kin, it won’t be soon 
’nuff fer me, ’cause th’ mortgage is agoin’ t’ he foreclosed, 
’n’ t’ stave thet off I ’ve got t’ hev ready cash. Ef either 


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a’ th’ calamaties lied happened one at a time, I could a’ 
stood it, but havin’ ’em both together kinder flambusts me, 
thet ’s what it does. I ’m reg’lar flambusted, thet ’s what 
I be ; flambusted, thet ’s it,” and he sank down in a chair, 
muttering this one word over and over. 

Then, by degrees, Eoger and Adrian gathered enough 
of the matter to understand it somewhat. When Mr. 
Kimball purchased his farm, some years ago, he did not 
have enough money to pay all of the price, and he gave 
a mortgage for the balance, that being a paper, by the 
terms of which he agreed, after a certain number of years, 
to pay the rest of the money due or forfeit the farm. 

As time went on he prospered with his crops and paid 
off some of the mortgage. Then his father died and left 
him a neat sum of money. But instead of using this 
to cancel the mortgage, Mr. Kimball was induced by 
his brother Seth to invest it in the stock of a certain 
railroad. Seth told him that there the money would earn 
good interest, and when the time came to pay off the 
mortgage, Mr. Kimball could sell his railroad stock and 
with the money settle the debt on his farm, with some- 
thing left. 

This would have been a good plan if matters in the 
financial world had n’t gone wrong just before Mr. Kim- 
ball was to draw his money from the investment in the 
railroad shares. The mortgage was nearly due, and he 
expected to pay it off. But there came a panic in the 
stock market, and the shares the honest farmer had put 
his money in dropped below par, so far, in fact, that it 


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101 


seemed hopeless ever to expect them to rise again. And 
then, with all his money gone, to be informed that unless 
he paid off the balance of the mortgage the farm would 
be taken from him was blow enough to discourage any 
one. 

Wa’al,” said Mr. Kimball, after a long silence, and 
with more cheerfulness in his tones than his family had 
heard since he got the bad news, wa’al, there ’s no use 
cryin^ over spilt milk, hi’ what can’t be cured must be 
endured. Th’ money ’s gone, thet ’s sure. Kow I ’ll hev 
t’ pitch in ’n’ aim some more. I ’m young yit. I guess 
I kin do it. Kever say die, ’n’ don’t guv up th’ ship. 
Them ’s my mottoes,” and he blew his nose with a vigor 
that seemed to be uncalled for. 

It ’s turrible,” spoke up Mrs. Kimball, jest ’s ye 
were gittin’ ready t’ take things a leetle easier, Bert. It ’s 
a shame, thet ’s what ’t is, ’n’ ef I could see some a’ them 
railroad directors I ’d tell ’em so, thet ’s what I would.” 

Easy, easy,” said Mr. Kimball. It ’s tough luck, 
t’ he sure, but from what th’ newspapers says, I ain’t th’ 
only one. There ’s lots went down in the Wall Street 
crash. Plenty a’ others lost their money. Th’ thing fer 
me ’n’ you t’ do now, is t’ consider what ’s t’ he done. 
Ko use settin’ down ’n’ foldin’ our hands. Cryin’ never 
mended matters yit. I must go t’ th’ city t’ see Jackson 
’bout th’ mortgage. Ef he ’ll hold off a bit mebby I kin 
straighten things out. Ef he won’t — ” 

He did n’t finish the sentence, but they all knew what 
he meant. 


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I hungry,” announced Mr. Kimball, suddenly. 

Why,” looking at 'the clock, here ’t is near seven, ’n’ th’ 
chores ain’t done yit, ’n’ no table set.” 

I did n’t think any ’bout eatin’,” said Mrs. Kim- 
ball, but I ’ll git supper right away.” 

She and Clara started to put the meal on, and in 
bustling about they forgot for a time the bad news. Koger 
and Adrian went out to help lock up the barn and vari- 
ous out-houses, to bed down the horses, and see that every- 
thing was in good shape for the night. 

It ’s too bad, isn’t it ? ” ventured Koger, noting his 
cousin’s unusual silence and guessing the cause. 

Well, as dad says, it might be worse,” answered 
Adrian. I ’m going to pitch in and help all I can.” 

And I will too, as long as I ’m here,” said Koger 
heartily, and by reason of this trouble the two boys felt 
more like brothers than cousins. 

I don’t s’pose there ’s much we can do though, Ade.” 

I know how I can make considerable loose change,” 
replied the country boy. If it was n’t so near winter I 
could clear twenty-five dollars easy, and that ’d pay some 
of the interest.” 

“ How could you make twenty-five dollars ? ” asked 
Koger. 

I ’ll show you to-morrow. There goes the supper 
horn,” and the two boys hurried into the house. 

If Koger expected the bad news to have any immediate 
effect on life at his uncle’s house, he was agreeably disap- 
pointed. He looked at the table closely to see if there 


I 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 103 

had been any change made in the quality or quantity of 
the food, hut the hoard seemed more bountifully spread 
than ever. There were meat and potatoes, a big plate of 
salt-rising bread, a large pat of sweet golden butter, cakes, 
cookies, preserves, cheese, and some dark brown buckwheat 
honey, enough for a dozen hungry hoys. Then Roger felt 
his heart a little lighter when he saw there was no need to 
put the household on short rations. Adrian too, appeared 
relieved when he saw the well-spread table, and he gazed 
on it with a feeling of thankfulness that things were not 
as had as they might have been. 

Under other circumstances there might have been a 
more cheerful party gathered around the hoard, but then 
it is hard to he light-hearted when trouble is in the air 
and when there are worries to be met. However, Mr. 
Kimball did his best to shake off the feeling of gloom, and 
he really succeeded so well that, before the meal was over, 
he had Roger laughing at his recital of some of the queer 
doings of the people of Cardiff. 

After supper, which was not finished until rather later 
than usual, Mr. Kimball busied himself with various 
papers and account books. Roger and Adrian feeling 
tired from their day^s tramp went to bed, where, in spite 
of the memory of the trouble hanging over the house, they 
slept soundly. In the morning Mr. Kimball went to 
Syracuse by the early stage, and as the hired man had to 
take a load of grapes to the city, the two boys were left 
with the farm to themselves. There were a few chores 
to do, which they made short work of, and then Adrian, 


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taking a large bag from the barn, started off across the 
fields. 

Where to now ? ’’ asked Roger. 

I told you I ’d show you how to make a little money, 
did n’t I ? ” said Adrian. This is one of the ways. 
I used to do it when I was a small chap, but lately I 
have n’t had much chance, so now I ’m going to start in 
again.” 

What are you going to do ? ” 

Gather bones.” 

Bones ? ” 

Yes, bones.” 

Roger thought his cousin was joking, but a look at the 
face of the country lad convinced the city boy there was 
a serious purpose back of the words. 

You see it ’s this way,” explained Adrian. Bones 
are good to make fertilizer of, and there ’s a factory over 
to Tully where they buy ’em. They pay half a cent a 
pound, and farmers that have lots of bones around send 
’em to the factory. But there ’s plenty of bones lying 
around loose in the fields, and at the back doors of houses. 
When I was about ten years old, me and Chot Ramsey 
used to make a half dollar, easy, gathering up the 
old bones and selling ’em when the collecting wagon 
came from Tully. That ’s what I ’m going to do now. 
But I ’m going to do it different. I know a number of 
women folks that ’ll save their meat bones for me if I ask 
’em, and I ’m going to. Besides collecting all I can 
lying aroimd loose, you see I ’ll have a sort of private 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 105 

\ 

supply to collect from. But maybe you don’t want to come 
along. It ’s not much fun, but it ’s not dirty, for the 
bones are all clean ones.” 

Of course I ’ll come along and help,” said Koger. 

Did n’t I say I would ? ” 

It was rather a novel idea, this one of Adrian’s, so Eoger 
thought. But plenty of country boys know the value of 
bones, though they may never have taken the trouble to 
collect and sell them. Roger and Adrian started off over 
the fields. The country lad seemed to know just where to 
go, and, before proceeding far, he had come across several 
big beef bones, clean and white. 

They were tossed into the bag which the boys carried 
between them, slung on a long pole. They visited several 
back-yards of houses, where Adrian knew the people, and, 
when he had collected all the bones in sight, he asked the 
women if they would n’t save any more they might have, 
as he would be around again in a week. Most of them 
promised, for they liked the boy, who had often done favors 
for them. 

Just throw ’em in one place always, and I can gather 
’em up every week,” said Adrian, at house after house. 

Good luck seemed to be with the boys, for they found 
more bones than ever Adrian had hoped for. The bag 
got so heavy they could hardly carry it, and so were forced 
to make a trip back to the house, to get rid of the load. 

“ We must have fifty pounds there,” reckoned Adrian, 
proudly, as he piled the contents of the bag in a heap back 
of the barn, and there ’s fifty more we can get to-day. 


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THB WHITE CRYSTALS 


N^ot bad for a start, eb, Roger? One hundred pounds of 
fertilizer. That ’s fifty cents.” 

I call it fine,” said Roger. “ But of course we can’t 
expect to do as well as this every day.” 

Ro, we ’ll have to tramp farther for our next hundred 
pounds,” agreed Adrian, as they started off on their second 
trip. 

They went over the fields and roads. The bag was 
almost full a second time when Adrian, who had picked up 
a smooth, round stone to throw, stopped short as it fell in 
the midst of some corn stubble, with a resounding clang. 

That hit something,” he declared, as he set off on a 
run, much to the surprise of Roger. Hurrah ! I thought 
so,” shouted Adrian a second later, as he stooped over 
where he had seen the stone fall. He held up to view 
a battered old wash-boiler. 

What good is that ? ” asked Roger. 

Good ? WThy, can’t you see it has a copper bottom. 
Copper brings fifteen cents a pound from the junk man, 
and there ’s three pounds here.” 

He caught up a hea\^ sharp rock and soon had cut and 
hammered the bottom off the boiler, the upper part of which 
was of tin. The copper he beat up into a compact mass 
and placed it in the bag with the bones. Then having 
a pretty good load, the boys started home. On the way 
Adrian came across a large bottle, which he picked up. 

I wish I knew where there were a lot of these,” he 
remarked. 

WTiy ? ” asked Roger. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


107 


’Cause George Bennett gives three cents apiece for 
large ones like this. We must keep our eyes peeled for 
’em as we go along.” 

And they did, but they found no more that day. 

Let ’s see,” said Adrian, as they were washing up for 
dinner. A hundred pounds of hones is fifty cents, and 
we ’ll reckon forty cents for the copper. With three cents 
for the bottle, that makes ninety-three cents for the morn- 
ing. My half is forty-six and a half cents ; not bad for a 
starter, eh ? ” 

Well, I guess you ’re a little wrong in the figuring,” 
said Roger. 

^^How so?” 

Why, it ’s all yours. I won’t take half. I ’m only 
helping you in this. I don’t want any share.” 

But you ’ve got to take it.” 

Well, I won’t. It ’s all going into a general fund to 
help pay that mortgage,” said Roger, stoutly. Probably 
we ’ll not get an awful lot, but every little helps, and 
your father is going to have all my share.” 

Well — well,” began Adrian, somewhat affected by 
his cousin’s offer, hut what he would have said was never 
known, for the dinner horn blew just then, and the hoys 
were so hungry they forgot everything else save their 
appetites. 

In the afternoon they picked more grapes, and neither 
of them suggested stopping to rest or play. The fascina- 
tion of business was on them, and they seemed to have 
taken the responsibility of wanting to do all they could. 


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THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Might as well get a lot picked,” suggested Adrian, 
as he and Roger snipped away at the big bunches, then 
dad can hurry to the city with them while the price is 
high ; ” and they gathered the fruit as long as they could 
see. 

When Mr. Kimball returned home from the city that 
night he seemed to feel a little easier than when he left. 
He told his wife, and the boys overheard him, that he 
had succeeded in getting a delay of the mortgage fore- 
closure until May first, and that would give him sev- 
eral months to try to get the money together. True, it 
seemed hut a respite, for there was not much chance of 
his securing the cash, he said, since later news of the 
failure of the railroad shares only confirmed the first 
report, that they were gone beyond hope of ever getting 
anything from them. But for all that, Mr. Kimball 
was hopeful. There was not much chance of using the 
money he would get from the present crops, as that would 
he needed for ordinary household expenses. Nevertheless 
the farmer found a chance to laugh a little, and he was 
greatly pleased and touched when he learned what the 
hoys had done. 

^^We must hurry ’n’ git th’ rest a^ th’ grapes picked 
to-morrow,” he said. Cold spell ’s a-comin’, ’n’ a frost ’ll 
nip ’em so they won’t sell. My ! But I ’m hungry, 
though, mother. Hungry ’s a h’ar. So we ’ll hev supper, 
’n’ talk arterwards.” 

The meal progressed more pleasantly than the one of the 
night before, and when it was over and the dishes and 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


109 


chores were done, they all took their chairs in the settin’ 
room,” as Mrs. Kimball called it. There Clara played the 
organ, and the boys sang songs and hymns until it was 
time to go to bed. Roger was tired with the day’s ex- 
perience, and he was anxious, too, about his uncle. But 
this did not prevent him from sleeping, and he dropped 
off, feeling that busy and exciting as his life in the 
country had been, it had already done him good. But 
there were more lively times ahead of him. 


CHAPTEE XII 


JACK FEOST 

Eogee had been at his uncle’s a week when he received 
a second letter from home. It told him all the folks were 
well and were hoping he was improving in health. He 
answered it as soon as he had read it, for beyond the 
short note he had sent off telling of his safe arrival, he 
had not yet written much to his mother. So in this second 
letter he related all of his experiences since coming to 
Cardiff, from the wrestling match to the adventure with 
the wild-cat and his partnership with his cousin in the 
old hone and copper business. 

Eor the next few days the two hoys were busy about 
the farm and garden, Eoger helping Adrian as much as 
he could in the various tasks the country hoy had to look 
after, or which he undertook of his own accord. When 
there was nothing else to do they gathered old bones, until 
they had quite a heap back of the barn. One day the 
collector came from the fertilizer factory and paid Adrian 
two dollars for what there was, and the hoys were as 
much pleased as older persons would have been over a 
larger sum. 

Thus the time passed for several weeks, during which 
the remainder of the crops were gathered in. The potatoes 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


111 


were stored in bins in the cellar, and along side of them 
were the beets, the turnips, the carrots, the cabbages and 
onions ; enough vegetables, Roger thought, to feed a 
regiment. Barrels of apples were stowed away in dark 
corners, with the promise of many pies and dishes of 
sauce. The swing shelves of the cellar groaned and 
squeaked under the weight of canned fruit, — peaches, 
pears, quinces, plum-sauce, apple-butter, and grape jelly, 
— and it was quite a treat for the boys to go down and 
gaze at the rows of glass jars which held the sweets in 
reserve. 

The barn was well filled with hay, the oat-bin bulged 
with fodder, and the silo, where the cornstalks were kept 
as feed for the cows, seemed like to split apart with its 
rich contents. The corn-crib, through the openings on 
the sides, showed a wealth of golden grains, which indi- 
cated not only johnny-cake for the house, but plenty of 
eating for the chickens. In short, there was every indica- 
tion that whatever else happened there would be no lack 
of meals in the Kimball home that winter. 

While grim care was not altogether absent from Mr. 
Kimball, owing to the fear that his money matters were 
hopelessly involved, he seemed to have lost some of his 
outward signs of worry. He became more cheerful, and 
as the days went by and the others tried to imitate his 
example, the household was a more happy place. At any 
rate, nothing was likely to happen until spring, and by 
that time something might turn up. At least that is what 
they all hoped. 


112 


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The weather was getting colder now, the mornings being 
rather raw and chill, though there was an invigorating 
feeling in the air which was noticeably absent from the 
atmosphere of the city. The nights, too, had grown frosty, 
though so far only a thin white coating on the ground 
had greeted the hoys as they crawled, shivering, out of 
bed. But winter was at hand and its coming was antici- 
pated by the animals who, in the woods and fields, were 
busy laying up their food supplies. 

One evening, when Eoger and Adrian were returning 
from Hank Mack’s store, they noticed the clear bright- 
ness of the stars overhead. 

Whew ! ” whistled Adrian, as he turned his coat 
collar up, there ’s going to he a black frost to-night,” 
and he ran on a few steps, with hops and jumps, to warm 
up his blood. 

What ’s a black frost ? ” asked Eoger. 

I don’t know, only that ’s what they call it when it 
freezes real hard and there ain’t any white frost on the 
ground. A white frost is a white frost, and a black frost 
is a black frost, that ’s all I know.” 

And you think there ’ll be a black frost to-night ? ” 

I bet there will. Then we can go chestnutting to- 
morrow. The burs will he down by the wagonload, and 
I know where we can get bushels of nuts.” 

Bushels of chestnuts ? ” questioned Eoger, who had 
only seen as many of the shiny brown fellows at one 
time as could be heaped on some street vendor’s stand. 

Yes, sir, bushels,” maintained Adrian, and, do you 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


113 


know, they ’ll sell for about five dollars a bushel this 
year.” 

I should think they might, judging by the few you 
get from the Italians for a dime,” said Roger, thinking 
of how often he had bought the roasted or boiled nuts 
from the stand at the corner near his home. 

The boys now set off, racing towards the house. They 
spent the evening reading and talking. About nine o’clock, 
when Adrian stepped to the spout at the side door to get a 
fresh drink of water, he came back with red cheeks and 
announced that it was growing much colder. 

That night Jack Frost descended on Cardiff valley with 
all his forces. It got colder and colder, a tingling, vigorous 
cold that snapped the nails in the clapboards on the 
house. The morning dawned clear, and a breath of the 
fresh bracing air made the blood race through the veins. 

“ This is suthin’ like weather,” observed Mr. Kimball, 
rubbing his hands briskly, as he went out to the barn 
before breakfast to feed and water the cows and horses. 

I ’m glad it did n’t catch us nappin’, ’ith th’ grapes not 
picked.” 

He broke a thin sheet of ice on the horse trough. 

Thar ’ll be skatin’ ef this keeps on,” he added with 
a twinkle in his blue eyes, as he saw Roger and Adrian 
racing out after him. They leaped and bounded, for the 
bracing air made them feel like young colts running in 
a big field. Roger seemed to have improved very much 
in his health in a short time, and he was now a good 
second to his cousin, a most sturdy youth. 

8 


114 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Keckon it ’s goin’ snow,” said Mr. Kimball, as be 
carried a pail of water into the barn. 

To-day, dad ? ” asked Adrian, anxiously. 

Kot afore night, I guess,” said the farmer, but I 
kin smell snow,” and he sniffed hard. 

Well, I ’m glad you can’t smell it until night,” laughed 
Adrian. Roger ’n’ I are going after chestnuts to-day.” 

Wa’al, I haint no objections,” remarked Mr. Kimball, 
holding the pail of water where Ked, the horse, could 
reach it. Guess a trip chestnuttin’ ’ll be good fer both 
on ye. I ’m goin’ t’ kill hogs t’-morrow, snow er no 
snow.” 

That ’ll be lots of fun,” said Adrian to Roger. Come 
on, let ’s eat, ’n’ then we ’ll go.” 

The boys made a hurried breakfast and then, warmly 
clad, they started for the woods, carrying bags in which 
to gather the nuts. They had about two miles to walk, 
and when they reached the chestnut grove, Adrian saw 
he had not been wrong in his surmise that there would be 
a heavy fall. They found the ground covered with the 
burs, which had burst open, showing the shining brown 
nuts inside. 

Hurrah ! ” shouted Adrian. Get to work ! Here 
they are ! Don’t let the squirrels and chipmunks beat us.” 

Indeed, it was high time the boys started in, for there 
were scores of red and gray squirrels and the prettily 
striped chipmunks scampering about on the ground and 
in the trees, filling their pouch-like cheeks with the nuts, 
and then leaping and bounding away to their nests with 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


115 


the store of winter provender. The hoys began to hustle, 
threshing the burs from the nuts, and then scooping the 
latter into the bags they had brought. It was nT long 
before they had gathered several pecks, and they didn’t 
have to cover much ground to get them either. 

Adrian packed nearly a bushel into his sack before he 
was satisfied, but Roger was content to lug home a little 
more than two pecks, as he was hardly strong enough to 
bear the weight of more. They tramped slowly back, 
stopping frequently to rest. Emptying the nuts into 
baskets they went again to the woods for more, for as 
Adrian said, the squirrels would soon make short work 
of the harvest unless the boys were lively. On their 
second trip the hired man went with them, trundling a 
wheelbarrow, and this time they brought away over three 
bushels, leaving as many more piled in a heap, the hired 
man going after them alone later. 

Got about seven bushels,” announced Adrian, proudly, 
at the supper table. Hot bad, eh, pop ? ” 

I should say not,” replied Mr. Kimball. ’W Porter 
Amidown were tellin’ me yist’day they ’d gone t’ six 
dollars a bushel.” 

Then we ’ll send out six bushels in the morning, when 
Porter goes to the city,” said Adrian. One bushel ’ll 
be more than we can eat. That ’ll be thirty-six dollars 
toward the mortgage, dad.” 

Bless yer heart,” exclaimed Mr. Kimball, pretending 
that he suddenly had a very bad cold. Bless yer hearts, 
boys, I — I — don’t want yer money.” 


116 


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But you Ve got to take it,” decided Adrian and Roger 
in one breath, immensely pleased with their day’s work, 
which had only been a pleasure, and feeling proud that it 
would amount to so much in money. 

There was a light flurry of snow that night, and when 
the boys awoke next morning they found the ground hidden 
under a white, fleecy blanket. They were not up early 
enough' to see their chestnuts put on the stage to be sent 
to Syracuse, but Mrs. Kimball told them at the breakfast 
table that they went all right. 

Where ’s dad ? ” asked Adrian. 

Gittin’ ready t’ kill pigs,” answered Mrs. Kimball. 

Hurrah ! Roger ! That ’ll be sport ! Hurry up. 
Who ’s going to help him, mother ? ” 

I guess old man Hounson ’s cornin’ over. I heard 
yer father say suthin’ ’bout him.” 

Well, I reckon we can lend a hand at starting the 
fire, or something,” said Adrian. 

The boys went out to the barnyard as soon as possible, 
where they found Mr. Kimball getting ready to start a 
fire under a big caldron of water that was to be used at 
a later stage in the proceedings. 

Let us make the fire, dad,” begged Adrian, and 
getting permission, he and Roger soon had a fine blaze 
going. 

The snow was soon trampled down and melting near 
the fire of hickory logs, which crackled, sputtered, and 
sparked, filling the cold, bracing air with a pleasant nutty 
smell. The boys as well as Mr. Kimball and his hired 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


11 ? 


man had heavy boots on, and they wore their oldest 
clothing, since preparing pigs for sausage and pork chops 
is not exactly clean work. 

Wa’al, I see yer gettin’ ready fer me,’^ spoke a high- 
pitched voice suddenly, and a tall, spare man, with a much 
wrinkled face and a little bunch of gray beard on his 
chin, walked up the driveway to where Mr. Kimball and 
the boys were gathered about the heat. He too wore 
boots and an old overcoat. His arms were long and his 
hands bony and knotted. 

Yep, we ’re prepared fer ye, Hounson,” said Mr. 
Kimball. I see ye Ve got yer instruments a’ death ’n’ 
destruction ’ith ye,” noting some hooks and a number of 
long, shining, sharp knives which the old man laid on the 
rough plank bench near the boiling water. 

Good nippin’ weather fer th’ middle a’ Hovember,” 
observed Hounson, warming his hands at the crackling 
blaze and nodding to the boys. 

’T is thet,” replied Mr. Kimball, while he tried the 
temperature of the water with his finger. Hot ’nufP,” 
he said, as he drew his hand hurriedly away from the 
boiling fluid. Might ’s well start in,” and he motioned 
to the hired man. Hounson took up a long sharp knife, 
and the three men started for the pig-sty, which contained 
half a dozen squealing porkers, all unconscious of the fate 
in store for them. 

Then came a busy period. While Mr. Kimball and his 
hired man held the hog dovm on its back, old man Hounson 
skilfully and quickly killed it by cutting its throat. Cruel 


m 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


as it seemed to Roger, tlie animals really suffered very little 
pain, so rapidly was the knife thrust into a vital part. 
Then the carcass was dragged over to the incline, made of 
planks, which led down into a barrel of hot water filled 
from the steaming caldron, and soused up and down in 
this until the bristles were softened, so they could easily 
he removed by the three-sided iron scraper. IText the 
pig was cleaned and made ready for the market, or for 
storing away for winter. The boys got the bladders, which 
they carefully preserved, as Adrian said he could sell them 
to the Indians at the Reservation, who put dried corn in 
them and rattled them at their dances. 

It was hard work for the three men, this business of pig 
killing and cutting up and preparing the meat for winter 
use, and it took the most of the day. The next two were 
spent in separating the various portions of the hogs, while 
preparations were made for smoking the hams, with a fire 
started in the smoke-house, the smouldering blaze being 
fed with hickory chips, sawdust, and corncobs. 

l^ext Mrs. Kimball, Clara, and Mrs. Hounson, who had 
been called in to help, got ready to make sausage into 
links. This work was kept up late one night, when several 
neighbors dropped in to give assistance. Roger and Adrian 
took spells at turning the crank of the machine which 
ground the meat up, and then they worked the lever which 
forced the plunger down and shoved the sausage into the 
links. Mrs. Kimball stood near as the long slender skin 
was filled. About every four inches she gave the skin a 
twist, which separated the sausage into the familiar lengths. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


119 


Clara held a big needle, and whenever an air bubble ap- 
peared on the surface of the skin, she skilfully pricked 
it, that the sausage might last better, the admission of 
air to the meat hindering it from keeping well. It was 
a new and interesting experience to the city boy, and be 
enjoyed it very much. 

When the work was finished there was a lunch of 
doughnuts, cheese, cookies, apples, cider, and nuts, and 
the hoys listened while the womenfolks talked of the 
doings in Cardiff. 

Thus was the long, cold, severe winter provided against 
in the Kimball homestead, which now held a bountiful 
supply of the various meats that pigs are noted for, — 
sausage, hams, bacon, salt pork, and spare-ribs. Kever 
was there such sweet cured hams, never such clean, cun- 
ning, appetizing links of sausage, never such evenly 
streaked bacon, and never such lean pork chops, with just 
enough fat on. There might come great blizzards, but 
in the big farmhouse none would be hungry. 

The days passed swiftly now, and the weather grew 
more severe. Preparations for enduring the winter went 
on in all the Cardiff homes, and Roger began to anticipate 
the delights of this season in the country, where the snow 
comes down to stay for months at a time. 

It was the end of Kovemher, and a cold, blustery night, 
with hanks of big gray clouds blowing up from the west. 

Thar ’s snow in ’em,” prophesied Mr. Kimball. 

And so it proved, for the next morning when the hoys 
peered from the frost-encrusted window, they saw the air 


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full of swirling, feathery flakes which covered the ground 
to a depth of two feet. 

This is fine ! ” shouted Adrian. This means coast- 
ing on Lafayette hill.’’ 

The boys hurried into their clothes, for there was no 
fire in their bedrooms, and the only heat upstairs came 
from the stove-pipe, which passed up through the cham- 
bers. From the kitchen came the smell of hickory wood 
burning in the range. It mingled with the odor of buck- 
wheat cakes, fried sausage, and hot coffee. 

My ! But that smells good ! ” cried Roger. 

“ You bet ! ” agreed Adrian, earnestly. I can eat a 
dozen cakes this morning, with the maple syrup and the 
sausage gravy mother makes.” 


CHAPTER XIII 


LAFAYETTE HILL 

It was, indeed, good coasting down Lafayette hill. This 
was a long and, at certain places, a steep slope, which led 
from Cardiff village, over the mountain, to the town of 
Lafayette. A few miles beyond Lafayette was another 
settlement called Onativia. The long hill wound in and 
out, with queer twists and turns and an abundance of 
thank-’e-ma’ams, which made the sleds leap up in the air 
as the runners struck those spots. 

The snow storm ceased in the afternoon, when Roger 
and Adrian, donning their boots, mufflers, and short 
jackets, trudged off to the hill, dragging clipper sleds 
with them. They found the coasting-place black and 
swarming with boys and girls, — hearty, sturdy young- 
sters, who laughed and shouted as they pelted each other 
with snowballs. The white flakes had not become packed 
down hard enough yet to make the going good, hut be- 
neath the hundreds of tramping feet and the scores of 
sled runners, that process would not take long. The really 
swift and exciting coasting, however, would not begin until 
the hill was worn smooth and icy. 

Roger and Adrian joined the happy throng of young 
people. Like the others they dragged their sleds part way 


122 


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up the hill, and then, leaping skilfully upon the narrow 
board, they slid down, going faster and faster as they 
gathered momentum. The hill was two miles in extent, 
but none of the youngsters cared to go to the top to get 
the benefit of the long slide. It took too much time to 
walk up, and they preferred the more rapid, though 
shorter skimming over the snowy surface. 

“ It is n’t very good yet,” said Adrian, as they reached 
the bottom of the slope, after an invigorating ride. Wait 
two or three days, though, until the sun thaws it a bit, 
and it freezes some more, and then you ’ll see coasting that 
is coasting. You ’ll see a race that I bet you never saw 
one like before.” 

What kind of a race ? ” 

A two-mile coasting race down this hill, for the 
championship of the valley, among the boys of Cardiff, 
Lafayette, and Onativia.” 

You don’t mean to say they race down this hill ? ” 

Sure. On big bob sleds. I ’m captain of our bob, and 
you can go ’long this year. We ’ll have the race in about 
a week.” 

Just then Adrian saw some boy acquaintances. 

“ Hey, Ed,” he called to one of them, “ come here. 
And you, too, Jim.” 

Two boys joined Adrian, big, sturdy, red-cheeked lads, 
panting with their exercise in the crisp air. Koger was 
introduced to the newcomers, Edward Johnson and James 
Smather. 

I was just telling my cousin about our yearly cham- 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


123 


pionship race,” explained Adrian, when I happened to 
see you two. I suppose we ’ll have the contest, as usual ? ” 

Of course,” said Ed, and Jim agreed with him. 

Looks as if we could have it by Saturday,” said Jim, 
carefully noting the condition of the hill. 

I guess it ’ll be packed hard enough by then,” assented 
Ed. I s’pose you fellers are ready for another lickin’,” 
he added, grinning a bit at Adrian. 

If you can beat this time you ’re welcome to,” was 
the reply, and Adrian seemed a little nettled. 

“ I reckon you won’t walk away from the Lafayette 
boys as easily as you did last winter,” said Jim to Ed. 

We beat you the year before, and we can do it again, 
and Cardiff too.” 

Don’t holler ’til you ’re out of the woods,” advised 
Adrian. I ’ve put new runners on our bob.” 

You ’ll need ’em, from the way she hung back last 
winter,” laughed Edward, who had been captain of the 
victorious Onativia team the previous year. 

The three-cornered race had been won by Lafayette two 
years in succession, and, as in the contests over which 
Adrian had been commander, his crew had lost in the 
struggle, their hearts were not exactly happy, though 
neither captain nor crew was discouraged. 

Shall we say Saturday for the race ? ” asked Adrian 
at length. 

Suits me,” came from J ames. 

I ’m agreeable,” assented Edward, and thus the three 
captains arranged. 


124 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


This was Tuesday when the date for the contest was 
set. After making up the details with his opponents, 
Adrian proposed a few more coasts down the hill, and 
then he and Roger trudged off home. 

Do you think you ’ll win ? ” asked Roger anxiously 
as he plodded along the scarcely broken road. He was 
almost as interested as Adrian, for, though he had so re- 
cently come to Cardiff, he already felt himself one of the 
boys there. 

It ’s hard telling,” answered Adrian, after a pause. 

The Onativia boys have a very swift bob, and they 
usually manage to get off a little quicker than we do. 
We ’d have won last year, if they had n’t got to the nar- 
row part of the road before we did.” 

What happened ? ” asked Roger. 

Why, we could n’t pass ’em, as there was only room 
for one sled there. So they came in first. But I ’ve got 
a plan for this race, though, that ought to bring us in 
ahead, if I can only work it out. You just wait, that ’s 
all.” 

Roger thought Saturday would never come. There was 
little to do about the farm now, so he and Adrian over- 
hauled the big Cardiff bob, which was stored in Mr. Kim- 
ball’s barn. In this work they were assisted by such of 
the crew as could spare time from their duties. 

The runners of the sled were filed, and polished bright 
and smooth. Several extra braces were put in to stiffen 
the long board. The carpet, on top of this, was stuffed 
again, so as to afford a softer seat going over the bumps. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


125 


and the foot-rests were altered a bit. Adrian also put on 
a louder sounding gong. 

Then he made a change which most of the boys declared 
was a foolish one. This was to make the rear as well as 
the front small sled movable, so that either and both could 
be steered separately. The front bob was turned from 
side to side, by means of an iron wheel on an upright rod, 
just as the regular coasting bob is. But it was rather an 
innovation to have the rear sled steerable also. This 
was Adrian’s idea, worked out from something he had 
seen on a recent visit to Syracuse. This was the sight 
of a long fire ladder truck turning short and sharp 
around corners because of both front and rear trucks 
being movable. He reasoned if a long wagon could be 
handled to advantage this way a long bob-sled might 
also. 

There was a particular reason why Adrian wanted to 
steer quickly and turn short, as developed later. At first 
some of the boys who formed the crew of the bob were 
inclined to protest at the use of the second steering-wheel. 
But Adrian silenced them. 

Look here,” he said, I ’m captain of this shebang 
and as long as I am I ’m going to steer it the way I 
think best. If anybody don’t like it, they need n’t ride. 
I can get plenty to take those fellows’ places. And if you 
don’t want me for captain, just sing out,” and Adrian 
paused for an answer. 

Of course we want you for captain,” cried several. 

All right, then, just let me manage it. I ’m going to 


126 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


have two steering-wheels, and we ’re going to win the race 
this time.” 

I hope so,” commented Thomas Archer, and the others 
joined him in the wish. 

rinally the day of the triple contest came. On Friday 
the snow melted and thawed on Lafayette hill; but that 
night it grew colder and froze, until the surface of the 
slope was one long stretch of ice and snow, making a 
perfect covering for coasting. Saturday dawned clear and 
cold, but with no biting wind — a rare day for the sport. 

All Cardiff seemed to be astir early that morning, though 
the contest would not begin until two o’clock. An hour 
before that time, however, crowds began to gather along 
the hill, a number of the men and boys tramping up the 
steep slope to the top, that they might witness the start. 

The majority of the spectators, however, preferred to 
remain where they could see the finish, and that was near 
Hank Mack’s store, in the centre of Cardiff, where the 
road from Lafayette joined with the main thoroughfare 
leading to Syracuse. This was a vantage point where 
might be observed the ending of the struggle, which meant 
so much to the boys, and in a measure to their elders. 
On the far side of the main road, opposite the end of the 
hill, was a big bank of snow into which the racers might 
steer, if, perchance, they found themselves, at the swift 
completion of the journey, unable to turn to left or right. 
Thus the chance of accidents was lessened. 

The boys of Lafayette and Onativia had one advantage, 
for they did not have to drag their heavy bob up the hill 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


127 


for the start, as the Cardiff crew did. But for this race, 
at least, that labor was saved Adrian and his chums, for 
Mr. Kimball got out his team of horses, hitched them to 
the big sled, and the animals, which were sharp-shod, 
easily dragged the racer up the two-mile incline, for which 
aid the boys were very thankful. 

The Cardiff crew, at the head of which marched Adrian 
and Roger, followed the team, walking leisurely along and 
keeping a sharp watch that the bob came to no mishap. 
All but two of the boys would be merely passengers, for 
to manage the affair only a pair of steersmen were needed, 
the others being there simply to give weight and to make 
the contest more interesting and exciting. 

With the Cardiff crew marched a crowd of youngsters 
from the village. They knew they must miss the thrilling 
finish of the race if they went to the top of the hill, but 
they wanted to lend the fellowship of their presence to 
the tail-enders of the series of contests, much the same as 
a crowd of rooters ’’ accompany their favorite nine or 
eleven. Besides, the Cardiff crew was going into a sort 
of hostile country and would need some support. 

When the delegation marching with Adrian reached the 
top of the hill they found themselves the centre of a 
throng of perhaps two hundred people, mostly boys, though 
there were a goodly number of young men, and even some 
graybeards who still felt the joys of youth in their blood. 
The Onativia crew was surrounded by their friends, and 
the Lafayette contenders by theirs, and though the Car- 
diff organization was greatly outnumbered, they did not 


128 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


feel at all disheartened when they saw how confident 
their captain was. 

Scores of spectators and several members of the rival 
crews crowded about Adrian’s bob, and the two steering- 
wheels at once attracted attention. There were dozens of 
questions about the second wheel, to all of which Adrian, 
as well- as his followers, returned polite but evasive 
answers. 

Mebby th’ Cardiff boys calalate on slidin’ backwards 
’s well ’s for’ards,” commented a Lafayette supporter. 

Thet seems t’ be their fav’rite mode a’ locomotion, 
jedgin’ from th’ last two trys.” 

A hot reply for this taunt was on Adrian’s lips, but he 
checked himself. It would not do to boast of his plan, for 
it was yet untried, and he could not say what would be the 
outcome. So he merely motioned for his crew to keep 
near him, and answered nothing to the laugh that went up 
at the attempted wit of the Lafayette young man. Adrian 
took his cousin to one side. 

I have n’t said much to you, Roger, about making this 
trip,” he said, but I want you to go along with me. 
You ’re not afraid, are you ? ” 

Yot a bit,” replied Roger, stoutly, though in his heart 
he was a little apprehensive, as he saw the big white stretch 
sloping steeply before him and thought of the twists, the 
turns, and bumps in it. I ’ll go if you ’ll let me, but 
maybe. some of the crew won’t like it. Besides, it will 
make thirteen on the sled, and you know — ” 

Can’t make me believe in bad luck signs of any sort,” 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


129 


laughed Adrian. As for the crew not wanting you, I Ve 
spoken to them about it, and they ’re all agreeable. There 
are no regular rules to this race, anyhow. You can take 
as many as the bob will carry.” 

So it was arranged Roger was to go. The preparations 
were nearly completed, the judges of the start had been 
selected, and those for the finish named. The latter set 
off on their ride down the incline ahead of the three big 
sleds, so as to be at the foot of the hill on time. 

There was no danger of any teams coming up the incline, 
as the custom of the race was well known in the valley, 
and farmers gave Lafayette hill a wide berth on that day. 
As Roger watched the sleds of the judges for the finish 
whizz down the slope, he felt less and less inclined to make 
the racing trip. But he did not like to back out now, so 
he nerved himself for the ordeal. 

The three captains held a short conversation and drew 
straws to see which should have the choice of position at 
the start. This fell to Adrian for the first time in the last 
three years, and he felt it was the beginning of success. 

The preliminaries were soon arranged, and the starters, 
who were to shove the sleds to the edge of the hill and 
over the brow, were selected. There was the last look at 
the bobs on the part of the captains to see that these were 
in good shape and nothing loose or dangling, and a final 
trying of the steering-wheels to ascertain if they worked 
easily. The boys who formed the three crews began to 
fasten up stray ends of scarfs and clothing, buttoning their 
coats tightly, for it would be a fierce and swift journey. 

9 


130 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Adrian wore an anxious air, which he tried to shake off, 
for though he did not need to depend much on his crew, 
he wanted them to feel there was a good chance for victory, 
as he honestly believed there was. He tested the two 
wheels on his bob, made sure that his assistant helmsman 
understood his duties, and he was ready. As his aid in 
guiding the big sled Adrian had selected Thomas Baker, 
a lad of considerable muscle, quick, and reliable. 

I guess we ’re in shape,” announced Adrian in a low 
voice to his crew, as he saw the starters coming toward 
him. 


CHAPTEE XIV 


A DESPERATE RACE 

Well, boys, take your places,” called the starting- judge 
to the three crews. 

The lads all scrambled to their seats on the rival bobs, 
to which they had been assigned. Koger found himself 
placed second from Adrian, and though this gave him a 
fine view of the road stretching before him, he would gladly 
have changed his position for one farther back. It looked 
a little too much like taking a ride on the front end of a 
comet. 

It did not take long for the three cargoes of human 
freight to be loaded. Adrian braced his feet against the 
cleats he had nailed on the first bob and grasped the steer- 
ing-wheel firmly. Tom Baker did the same at his rear 
end, and, between them, came the eleven sturdy youngsters, 
all from Cardiff, save Eoger, though he considered himself 
at least a temporary resident of that village now. 

On the other two bobs the arrangements were just the 
same, save that there was only one steersman on each, and 
twelve boys in all instead of thirteen. The significance 
of the so-called unlucky number was noted by some of the 
Lafayette crew. 


132 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Ain’t you fellers Jonahs enough without goin’ out 
of your way to look for a hoodoo ? ” asked Jim Smathers 
as he glanced at Adrian and laughed. 

This will be the luckiest thirteen you ever saw,” re- 
joined the Cardiff captain, and that was the only prediction 
of victory he allowed himself. 

I s’pose ye all know th’ conditions of th’ race well 
’nuff by this time,” remarked the chief starter, Abe Crown- 
heart. Ye ’ll all git shoved at th’ same time, ’n’ th’ bob 
that gits t’ th’ bottom a’ th’ hill fust wins, no matter how it 
gits thar, pervided it ain’t upside down or downside up.” 

There were nods of assent from the captains, and those 
detailed for the purpose pulled the three big sleds to within 
a short distance of the top of the hill. Adrian, having had 
the choice, had selected the position farthest to the right. 
^NText to him was Lafayette, and at the extreme left the 
Onativia bob. 

You starters are t’ begin t’ shove when ye hear th’ 
pistol crack, ’n’ not afore,” cautioned Mr. Crownheart. 

Anybody that tries t’ git a false start so ’s t’ go ahead ’ll 
he fined half a minute headway. So be careful. Are ye 
all ready, captains ? ” 

Yes,” answered Adrian, shortly, the light of battle 
coming into his eyes. He meant to win ! 

All ready,” announced Jim Smather. 

Shove away ! ” called Ed J ohnson. 

There was a moment of silence and hesitation. 

One ! ” counted Mr. Crownheart, raising the revolver 
slowly. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


133 


Two ! ” and he extended his hand, holding the weapon 
high in the air. 

Three! Crack!’’ 

The word and the report of the blank cartridge came 
together. There was a straining of hacks and legs, a bend- 
ing forward, and a mighty shove from the starters. They 
were as eager as colts tugging at the harness, for on the 
first shove or impetus depended much of the early speed 
of the bobs. 

The steel runners squeaked on the snow, the big sleds 
moved forward, slowly at first, but then more easily and 
quickly, ^ow they had reached the very brow of the hill 
and poised for an instant. 

The next second they started down the slope, with a 
whizz and plunge, amid a roar of cheers. 

It was a perfect beginning, and the sharp points of the 
runners of the three foremost sleds of the bobs were almost 
in a line. It was to he a fair race. From one single cheer 
at the successful start the shouts broke up into cries for the 
different village crews, each one doing honor to his native 
town. Anxiously did the crowd watch the sleds shooting 
down the hill. In a few minutes those who had sleighs 
would coast down also, to find out how the race ended. 

The rival bobs were skimming along like birds. At 
first Roger could distinguish nothing, for a mist came 
into his eyes, caused by the rushing wind that surged past 
him. Then he began to see more clearly. He glanced 
across to the left and was surprised to see no sign of the 
other sleds. Could they have passed the Cardiff boys? 


134 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


His heart gave a mighty thump at this fear. Then he was 
reassured, as he heard a bumping and scraping behind him 
and saw the other two bobs plunge into the line of his 
vision. They had hung back a little, owing to an uneven- 
ness in the road. 

The three racers were once more in line and were 
gathering speed with every foot they swayed forward. 
That the Cardiff boys had a good chance was early seen as 
they noted their sled fairly lift itself from the ground 
under the momentum which increased each second. Roger 
held on tightly for fear of being pitched off. The wind 
was whistling loudly in his ears, and his face was bitten 
by the cold. He had never ridden so fast in his life 
before. 

Lafayette hill consisted of a series of little slopes and 
ascents, with small level stretches in between. The road 
curved in and out, now to the left, now to the right, and 
every once in a while would come a thank-ye-ma’am.” 
Over these bumps the bob flew, and when it came down, 
after taking the leap, it jolted every member of the Cardiff 
crew. 

The pace was comparatively slow for the first quarter 
of a mile. Then the hill, which had not curved yet, became 
steeper. When the bobs reached this point the speed really 
became very swift, and the heavy sleds seemed to merely 
glide over the frozen ice and snow. 

It was now a race in earnest, with the three contesting 
crews on even terms. They were about ten feet apart from 
side to side. The captains, with tense muscles, were guid- 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 135 

ing their easily swerved bobs, their eyes fastened on the 
slope before them. 

Up to this time there had been no use for the stern 
wheel on the Cardiff sled, Tom Baker merely holding 
the rear bob rigid with it and keeping it straight in 
place, while Adrian did all the guiding necessary, which 
so far had been little, as the hill was without a turn. The 
wind was so strong, as the bobs skimmed through it, that 
talking was hardly possible. If a hoy opened his mouth, 
not thinking, he was liable to find himself gasping for 
breath. 

Urom somewhere behind him Roger heard an exclama- 
tion coming from a member of the Cardiff crew. He 
turned his head and was startled to see that instead of the 
Lafayette and Onativia sleds being in line with him, both 
bobs were now ahead of Cardiff, the Lafayette boys being 
half a length in advance and the other a quarter. It began 
to look as though the happenings of past years were to be 
repeated and Cardiff beaten. But Adrian showed no evi- 
dence of fear that he might be defeated again. Indeed 
he smiled a bit as he noted the two other bobs leaving him 
behind. He kept on smiling as they drew ahead, urged on 
by greater weight, better runners, or a smoother condition 
of the snowy roadbed. 

The first turn of the hill was now reached and the three 
bobs took it at a speed that caused them to careen to one 
side and skim along on single runners for a time, while 
the boys momentarily feared an upset. 

The big sleds righted, however, and whizzed along. 


136 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


covering a half mile in about two minutes, and thus being 
about a quarter way over the course. 

After the first turn of the road the Cardiff sled caught 
up somewhat on its competitors, so that when the second 
curve in the hill came the three bobs were almost in line 
again. Thus seesawing, one losing and another gaining 
a slight advantage, a fourth quarter mile was passed in 
quicker speed, leaving about half the two-mile journey to 
finish. 

The contestants were now approaching the biggest turn 
in the hill, a long swing to the left, around a very steep 
part, the most dangerous place in the race, and one that 
all the captains dreaded. They gripped the steering-wheels 
more strongly, and every member of the crews clung to 
their seats and braced their feet. 

Once again did the Cardiff sled seem to lag behind, and 
its crew noted with dismay that the two other coasters 
had passed them. As they were about to round the turn 
Adrian’s bob was two lengths in the rear, and his comrades 
feared the race was lost to them, as there was little chance 
of catching up, once the Lafayette and Onativia sleds began 
to whizz down the steep incline. 

Then something unexpected happened, — something 
that made Roger and the other members of the Cardiff 
crew catch their breaths — something that Adrian had 
planned and had been waiting anxiously for. 

Just for one brief instant Roger noted that the turn of 
the road now hid the other two sleds. Had the road kept 
straight on, instead of curving to the left as it did, it would 






THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


137 


have crossed a wide field, and then joined itself, so to 
speak, farther on. It was as if the curve was a big bent 
how, and the road, if continued straight, would be rep- 
resented by the bowstring. Though there was a path 
which cut off the curve and shortened the road for pedes- 
trians, it was considered too steep and risky for teams, 
hence the curve. And it was down this incline, this cut-off, 
that Adrian proposed to guide his sled. 

By so doing he would save a quarter of a mile, and if 
all went well he would come out into the main road again 
ahead of his rivals. But the way was dangerous, inasmuch 
as at the end it was necessary to make a sudden turn to the 
left to avoid a huge rock and to get back into the main 
thoroughfare. 

With a whizz and a scraping of snow and ice the Cardiff 
sled left the beaten road and plunged into the almost un- 
broken snow of the fields. A fence lined the highway, but 
when Adrian steered the bob toward it the bars were down. 
The captain had seen to that. Before Roger and the other 
boys knew what was happening, they found themselves 
skimming across the field that stretched white and un- 
trampled before them. Some thought it was an accident 
and cried out in alarm, but a shout from Adrian reassured 
every one. 

The way was full of perils, for the field through which 
the straight path lay was not as level as the road. Fortu- 
nately the snow had melted and frozen again very hard, so 
that the surface was almost like a sheet of ice. 

My, but how that sled did glide along! The runners 


138 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


rang in the cold air as they rubbed along the snow and ice, 
which flew up on both sides of the boys like a miniature 
storm of white flakes. On and on went the Cardiff bob, 
like a big bird skimming along. In less than a minute it 
bad approached the dangerous turn, around which it was 
necessary to swing to get back into the road. Could Adrian 
make it? 

All ready, Tom ! ” sung out Adrian. Look out for 
the turn ! ” and Tom Baker tightened his grip on the rear 
steering-wheel. 

I ’m ready,’’ he called back. 

The next instant they were at the curve. If the bob, 
heavy with the load of hoys, kept straight on, it would 
hit the huge rock with a terrible crash. Could Adrian 
pass it safely? 

It was a second of intense expectation on the part of 
the crew. Then they felt a sudden swerve, a;nd instinc- 
tively leaned to the left, to bring all the weight possible 
on the runners on that side, to keep them from skidding. 
There was a shrill screeching and squeaking of the snow 
and a shower of white flakes. Adrian tugged with all his 
might at his wheel. And then the wisdom and the great 
necessity of having the rear sled movable and steerable 
was apparent. For, had it not been, the sudden and short 
sweep could never have been made. 

A second after Adrian twisted his wheel Tom Baker 
did likewise. The rear end of the hob swung as if a giant 
hand had sent it around. It almost grazed the big boulder, 
missing it by a few inches. The sled hung and quivered 


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139 


for an instant on the very edge of the turn, and suddenly, 
with a motion that almost upset it, the bob righted and 
swept into the main road. 

The great feat had been accomplished safely, and Adrian 
felt his heart thrill. 

Once fairly in the road, every one looked for a sign of 
the other sleds. Was the Cardiff bob too late ? Was their 
racer ahead or behind the others? These were questions 
that tugged anxiously at the hearts of the boys. But there 
was little time for Adrian to think of this, for the control 
of the bob, moving like a locomotive, needed all his atten- 
tion, and Tom Baker’s as well. There was another sharp 
turn to make, and it took all of the two steersmen’s 
strength to twist the wheels. Then the sled shot into a 
straight incline, the last quarter mile of the course. 

As the Cardiff sled was speeding on there came a shout 
of dismay from behind it, for the Lafayette racer, and that 
of Onativia, on a line with it, whizzed around the curve. 
Well might they shout, for they were distanced, and with 
no chance to regain the intervening ground which Adrian 
had so daringly and so skilfully covered. 

In another minute the race was over. The Cardiff sled 
glided down the last declivity, and into the main street of 
the town, through the crowd of admiring people who had 
gathered. Adrian steered to a patch of ashes that had been 
sprinkled to retard the speed of the bobs at the end. As the 
Cardiff boys leaped from their still slowly moving racer, to 
be greeted with hearty hand clasps and shouts of victory, 
the Lafayette sled came along, with that of Onativia be- 


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hind it. It was a clean-cut, decisive victory for Cardiff, 
and even the vanquished ones had to admit it. Adrian’s 
plan had worked out exactly as he hoped, and had saved 
the day; and to him the credit of the race was due, as all 
Cardiff joyfully admitted. 

For a few minutes Adrian, Roger, and the other mem- 
bers of the crew could not break away from the admiring 
crowd. 

Three cheers for the Cardiff hoys ! ” called some one, 
and they were given with a will. 

“ And three cheers for Adrian Kimball ! ” shouted Cap- 
tain Smather of the Lafayette boh. 

The shouts rang out louder than before, and Adrian got 
even redder in the face than the biting wind had made him. 

It was a great day for Cardiff. 


CHAPTER XV 


STEANGERS IN TOWN 

It was several days before the people of Cardiff were done 
talking about the bob sled race, and it was much longer 
ere the boys of the crew and Roger and Adrian got be- 
yond telling each other their feelings at the various stages 
of the perilous journey. Mr. Kimball was proud of his 
son’s achievement, and Mrs. Kimball was thankful no 
one had been hurt. So the memorable contest passed into 
local history, and no doubt if you should go to Cardiff 
now, you would learn all about it much better than it is 
told here. 

Winter now settled down over the valley, and it was a 
severe season, as Roger found. Yet, though it was much 
colder than ever he had known it to be in Xew York, the 
lower temperature did not affect him so much as the frosty 
weather at home, since the atmosphere was a dry one, dif- 
fering in this respect from the penetrating damp cold of 
the region near the Atlantic. 

Thanksgiving came, with its feasting, its gathering of 
old friends and relatives about the fireside, and all its 
happiness, and Roger thought it was the j oiliest holiday 
of the year. Kever was there such a big, crisp-brown 


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roasted turkey, never so much, cranberry sauce, never 
such stacks of white celery, never such good gravy, such 
sweet hickory nuts, such white popcorn, such rosy-cheeked 
apples, nor such fine cider. The meal lasted all day, and 
at night every one voted they had enough to last them a 
week. 

December saw Cardiff snowbound, and for a week the 
village was cut off from communication with the other 
towns because of the big drifts that filled the valley. 
Christmas brought the usual joys, and Roger was well 
remembered by the folks at home. There was a welcome 
letter, also, from his father, in which Mr. Anderson said 
how glad he was that his son’s health was improving so 
rapidly. Then there was a box that contained some books 
that he had long wished for and a bright five-dollar gold- 
piece. 

The new year came, and winter, with all its old-fash- 
ioned severity, held Cardiff tight and fast. It snowed, 
and snowed, and snowed again. 

Then there was nothing to do but stay in the house, or 
after a trip to the barn and the finishing of the chores to 
journey to the village store. Adrian began to attend school, 
and occasionally Roger went with him, to sit in the class- 
room, and listen to the recitations. But there was plenty 
of time before and after school, for fun. The two boys 
went coasting and skating, and it was at these sports Roger 
found he had much to learn from his cousin and the other 
country boys, who could glide along over the frozen mill 
pond, from morning until night, and never seem to tire. 


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143 


Wa’al/’ remarked Mr. Kimball, as be came home 
from Hank Mack’s store, one cold night, stamping the 
snow from his boots in the wood-shed, wa’al, I hope 
it ’s cloudy tomorrow.” 

Why ? ” asked Eoger, who thought the more sun there 
was in winter the better it must be. 

Why ? So ’s thi’ b’ar won’t see his shadder.” 

What if he does see his shadow ? ” 

Land a’ Goshen, th’ boy never beam tell a’ Candelmas 
Day,” ejaculated Mr. Kimball. You see,” he explained, 
there ’s an ole sayin’ ’n’ I got it from my granddad, thet 
goes suthin’ like this : ^ Candlemas Day, half yer pork, ’n’ 
half yer hay.’ Thet means, ’cordin’ t’ my way a’ thinkin’ 
thet t’morrow ’s ’bout th’ middle a’ winter, ’n’ a keerful 
farmer ’ll only hev half his produce eat up. Ye know b’ars 
go inter holler logs t’ sleep all winter. Come Kebruary 
second, which is Candlemas Day, there ’s a theory they 
come out t’ see how th’ weather is. 

Ef th’ sun shines so ’s t’ throw a shadder on th’ ground, 
it skeers th’ b’ar so, he skedaddles back inter his holler log, 
’n’ sleeps fer six weeks more, durin’ which time we hev 
winter. But, ef th’ sun don’t shine, ’n’ thar ain’t no 
shadder, th’ b’ar ’s satisfied. He don’t git skeered, ’n’ only 
goes back in his log fer four weeks more sleep, which 
means an early spring. So ye see why I don’t want th’ sun 
t’ shine t’morrow.” 

I see,” laughed Eoger, as Mr. Kimball finished his 
explanation. Will you have half your pork and half 
your hay left by to-morrow ? ” 


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I calalate so/’ responded Mr. Kimball, I calalate 

so.” 

The sun did n’t shine next day, and Mr. Kimball was 
happy. For the following few days it snowed, and Roger 
began to feel that there would be several months more of 
winter, instead of the proverbial four weeks, but his uncle 
did n’t seem to worry. 

Whether it was due to the bear’s action or not, there 
was an early spring that year. The bluebirds came about 
the middle of March, and farmers began their plowing 
several weeks ahead of the usual time. Every one was glad 
that winter was over, though Roger and the other boys in 
Cardiff had enjoyed it very much, and many of them wished 
for a second contest with the bobs down Lafayette hill. 
Gradually the days got warmer, and the damp earth gave 
out a pleasant odor that promised a ready sprouting of the 
seeds. 

One pleasant evening toward the end of April, when 
the sun peeped out, just before setting, after a smart 
little shower, Roger went to the post-office, to wait for 
the stage to come in with the mail. Adrian was not with 
him, for he had some chores to do, and of late Roger 
had fallen into the habit of going to the village alone 
occasionally. 

He sat on the steps of Hank Mack’s general store, which 
also contained the post-office, talking with several boys, 
whose acquaintance he had made since he arrived in 
Cardiff. 

There she comes,” cried Frank Dobbs, as he pointed 


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145 


to a moving object half a mile away. Roger looked and 
saw the stage, which advanced rapidly and in a few 
minutes drew up at the steps with a flourish. Porter 
Amidown jumped off, lugging the heavy mail bag into the 
little room partitioned off from the main store, where the 
letters and papers would be sorted and put in the different 
boxes. 

Most of the boys followed Porter inside, but Roger 
lingered on the steps to see if the stage brought any pas- 
sengers. He saw Enberry Took alight from the driver’s 
high seat, and the boy nodded to him. Then from inside 
the vehicle two men got out. One was an elderly gentle- 
man, bearing a valise of which he seemed to take great care. 
His companion was younger, and, when he had stepped 
out he lifted after him a long, three-legged instrument, 
of the kind Roger had often seen surveyors use. The 
younger man also carried a small satchel, which he handled 
as if it contained something of value. 

Where ’s the hotel ; that is, Crownheart’s hotel ? ” 
asked the younger man of Roger, who just then was the 
only person at hand. 

Right over there, sir,” pointing to the single inn of 
which the village boasted, and which stood a little way 
up the hill, beyond the post-office. 

Thanks, my boy,” said the inquirer. Then to his 
companion, This way, Mr. Dudley. It does n’t look very 
promising, to be sure, but then, you know, you never can 
tell by the looks of a toad how far it can jump. I guess 
we can stand it for a night or two, until we And out whether 

10 


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there is any truth in this report or not,” and the two men 
started toward the Pine Tree Inn, as Abe Crownheart 
called his hotel. 

Roger stood looking at the strangers for a minute, won- 
dering what their object might be in coming to Cardiff 
with their instrument and the valises, and he puzzled over 
the younger man’s last words. Then dismissing the matter 
from his mind, he went in for the mail. When he found 
a letter for him from home, he was so delighted that he 
forgot all about the two new arrivals. 

Abe Crownheart was considerably surprised when 
Mr. Dudley and Mr. Ranquist, as the men introduced 
themselves, appeared at his hotel and asked for accommo- 
dations. 

I suppose we can have a bed,” suggested Mr. Dudley. 

And something to eat, don’t forget that,” put in Mr. 
Ranquist. That twelve-mile stage journey has given me 
a tremendous appetite.” 

Wa’al,” began Mr. Crownheart, slowly, as if trying 
to think of something to say, — wa’al, t’ be honest ’ith 
ye, we don’t hev much call fer lodgins fer man ’n’ beast 
here. Cou’se I kin guv ye suthin’ t’ eat, but th’ bed — um 
— d’ ye mind both sleepin’ in th’ same room ? ” 

We would prefer it, if there are separate beds,” said 
Mr. Dudley. 

I guess Mrs. Crownheart kin fix ye up then. Ye see 
we ain’t very strong on sleepin’ quarters, ’ceptin’ fer our 
own family. Last time we bed boarders were quite a 
number a’ years ago, in fact when th’ Cardiff giant were 


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147 


first diskivered. I s^pose ye beam tell a’ tbet,” and lie 
paused for an answer. 

Mr. Dudley nodded. 

Yep,” went on Abe, th’ figger were diskivered right 
ac'rost th’ valley here, ’n’ I boarded some a’ th’ men what 
were exhibitin’ it. I recollect how — ” 

I dare say,” broke in Mr. Dudley, shortly, I have 
heard considerable about that giant fraud, and some future 
day I will be glad to discuss the various features of it 
with you, but now, my dear Mr. Crowhead — ” 

Crownheart, sir, that ’s my name, — Crownheart, not 
Crowhead,” said Abe, a little nettled. “ It ’s right on the 
sign.” 

Oh, yes, to be sure, Crownheart, I beg your pardon, 
exceedingly stupid of me. IN’o offence, I assure you, my 
eyesight is not as good as it once was.” 

Least said soonest mended,” answered Mr. Crown- 
heart, smiling good-naturedly. Thet giant — ” 

I was about to suggest,” broke in Mr. Dudley once 
more, ^^that if it was all the same to you, Mr. Crown- 
heart, Mr. Eanquist and I would go to our room, and get 
ready for supper, which at the present time is something 
I would rather discuss than any number of stone giants.” 

If you ’ll kindly allow us to register, we ’ll go upstairs, 
I think,” said Mr. Eanquist. 

Wa’al, ’s I were sayin’,” went on Mr. Crownheart, 
apparently not heeding the suggestions, we ain’t been 
called on t’ lodge anybody sence th’ giant were dug up. 
Howsomever, I guess I kin accommodate ye. Supper ’s a 


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leetle easier t’ figger out than th’ beddin’ question. A 
meal is suthin’ we kin rassal hth t’ some advantage.’^ 

Shall we register ? ” asked Mr. Dudley, getting a little 
impatient. We don’t know how long we may stay. 
Probably a week.” 

Wa’al, we ain’t in th’ habit a’ havin’ folks register,” 
said the inn-keeper. To be honest ’ith ye, I don’t know ’s 
we got any convenience fer it. Uster be a book ’round here 
sommers, but I swan I don’t know what ’s become of it. 
Prob’ly th’ boys hev used it t’ keep th’ score a’ their crib- 
bage games in. Here, scribble yer names down on thet, 
’n’ ef I come acrost th’ book some day, I ’ll fill ’em in. 
’T ain’t no ways particular, anyhow,” and he shoved over 
a bit of rough bro^vn wrapping-paper, on which his 
guests wrote their names, adding after them, Hew York 
City.” 

From W York, eh ? ” said Mr. Crownheart, looking 
at what the two men had put down. Wa’al, we ’ve got 
another H’ Yorker here.” 

You don’t say so,” began Mr. Dudley, eagerly, who 
is he, an engin — ” and he stopped suddenly, as his com- 
panion nudged him warningly. 

Why, he ’s Bert Kimball ’s nephew,” said Mr. Crown- 
heart. Mebby ye seen th’ lad. He were ’ith a lot a’ 
others on th’ steps a’ th’ post-office, waitin’ fer th’ stage t’ 
come in.” 

Oh, yes, that must have been the boy who showed us 
your hotel,” said Mr. Ranquist, quickly, and Mr. Dudley 
appeared much relieved. 


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149 


He ’s up here fer his health/’ went on Abe. Car- 
diff ’s healthy ’nuff fer anybody. Be you two out here 
fer thet, or be ye surveyin’ fer a railroad ? ” and the inn- 
keeper looked significantly at the instrument Mr. Ranquist 
had. 

Well, we heard this village was a healthy place,” put 
in Mr. Dudley, the older man, and so we thought we ’d 
come and see for ourselves. We might do a little survey- 
ing also, but whether for a railroad or not is n’t for us 
to say. Suppose you show us to our room now.” 

All right,” answered Mr. Crownheart, a little miffed 
that his guests had not declared their business in response 
to his gentle hint. “ Jest come along. ’T ain’t fixed up 
yet, but I ’ll hev it ’tended t’ right away,” and he led the 
men to the upper fioor. 

At the supper table that evening Roger recalled the ar- 
rival of the two strangers in the stage, and remarked 
casually to his uncle that Mr. Crownheart had some one 
at his hotel at last. 

I saw them come in and showed them where to go,” 
said Roger, detailing the circumstances. 

I wonder what they want ? ” remarked Mr. Kimball, 
in a musing tone. Don’t seem ’s ef any railroad ’d run 
out here, yet ye say they hed a surveyor’s three-legged 
contraption with ’em, Roger. Wa’al, I don’t know’s it 
concerns me any, ’less they want t’ buy some a’ my land, 
so’s I could git money t’ meet thet ole mortgage ’ith. 
I ’ve got a hard scrabble ahead a’ me,” and the farmer’s 
face took on a worried look, just as on the night when he 


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received the letter containing the bad news about the loss 
of his savings. 

Yet, though Mr. Kimball did not know it, the arrival 
of the two strangers was destined to he of considerable 
concern and importance to him, and that not very far 
distant. 


CHAPTEK XVI 


QUEER OPERATIONS 

It was a few days after the arrival of the two strangers in 
town that Roger and Adrian were walking along the road 
that led to the village of Tully. There was nothing for 
them to do about the farm just then, and Adrian thought 
it would be a good plan to prospect ’’ a bit, as he called 
it, to see if he might come upon a deposit of old bones 
anywhere. For he had not forgotten his plan of selling 
them, or anything else he might happen upon, to raise all 
the money he could. 

It was a fine, warm spring day, with the air full of 
sweet smells from the damp earth, with the tender green 
grass just showing above the brown soil and tiny leaves 
bursting from the trees. The two boys hurried on, for 
they too felt the sap running up in their veins, and they 
wanted to hop and skip and shout aloud in the very en- 
joyment of being alive. As for Roger, he never felt 
better in his life, and he knew that even his short stay in 
the country, though it had been during a severe and cold 
winter, had been of great benefit to him. 

I ’ll beat you down to the old button-ball tree,” cried 
Adrian suddenly, pointing to a big sycamore about six 
hundred feet ahead of them on the road. 


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I ’ll go you.” 

One, two, three,” counted Adrian, Ready ! ” and the 
boys were off at the word. 

For nearly three quarters of the distance Roger held his 
own with his cousin. Then the more sturdy legs of the 
country boy and his better wind told, and he drew grad- 
ually away, though Roger did not give up until the very 
end, when Adrian finished five feet in advance. 

You — did — better — than — I thought — you would,” 
panted Adrian, as he flopped down on the grass under the 
tree to rest. 

I ’m picking up,” admitted Roger, modestly. I 
didn’t think I could keep up at all. I never could run 
as far as this without getting a pain in my side. But 
it don’t seem to bother me a bit now.” 

Keep at it, and when you get back home, you ’ll be 
able to challenge the best of ’em,” said Adrian, as he 
jumped up to throw a stone at a tin can in the road, hit- 
ting the object with a resounding clang. 

The boys resumed their walk, talking on topics of in- 
terest to them and keeping their eyes peeled,” as Adrian 
expressed it, for old bones, that they might know where 
to locate them when they came another day. They had 
gone about two miles, rambling slowly along, when, as they 
turned a bend in the road, they caught sight of two men 
carrying valises, hurrying on, just ahead of them. 

They look like book agents,” ventured Adrian. 

Roger glanced sharply at the receding figures. 

Why,” he exclaimed, they are the two men who are 


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153 


boarding at Crownheart’s hotel, the ones who came in on 
the stage the other night. I guess they must be looking 
over the ground for the new railroad.” 

Let ’s chase after them and see what they do,” sug- 
gested Adrian, and then the boys, having some object in 
their walk, quickened their pace to catch up to Mr. 
Dudley and Mr. Eanquist. In a few minutes the men 
reached an open field on the left side of the road, — a 
pasture filled with big stones and bowlders that had fallen 
from a great ledge of rock two hundred feet high or more, 
which cropped out about seven hundred feet from the 
highway, and rose, almost abruptly, from the level of the 
field. 

Hold on a minute,” cautioned Adrian, as he saw the 
men stop. Don’t let them catch us playing ^ I spy ’ ; 
they might not want us to follow them, even though we 
have a right to go where we please. We ’ll just wait by 
the tree until we see which way they turn.” 

The boys sat down in the shade of a big maple. 

What ’s that queer smell,” asked Roger suddenly, snif- 
fing the air. 

Sulphur spring,” explained Adrian. This is what 
they call ^ Stony Parm.’ Belongs to Jim Eaton, and about 
all it ’s good for is to pasture sheep. The sulphur spring 
comes out of that rocky ledge and runs across under the 
road. Some folks say the water ’s healthy, but it tastes too 
much like rotten eggs for me. The cattle won’t drink it. 
But say, those men are going in,” and he rose to peer at 
them. 


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Mr. Dudley could be seen pointing toward the big rocky 
bill, and be appeared to be urging bis companion to ad- 
vance toward it. Tbe younger man seemed to be in favor 
of going farther on before turning off tbe road, and be 
indicated a place about balf a mile distant. But in tbe 
end tbe older man prevailed, and tbe two, after a cautious 
glance on all sides, struck into the field and made their 
way to a path that led up on top of the out-cropping rock. 
After waiting until tbe men bad well advanced, Roger 
and Adrian took after them. 

Proceeding slowly along, the boys saw tbe men ascend to 
tbe top of the big ledge, and then turn to the left, going 
back in tbe direction they bad come from. On top of 
tbe rocks was a sort of path, made by tbe sheep and 
cows that used it to pass into the woods during hot 
days. Tbe men walked along this, for perhaps a mile, 
stopping every now and then to examine tbe ground 
closely. Once in a while tbe younger man would chip 
off a bit of rock, which he and bis companion would look 
at carefully. 

I guess they ^re geologists getting specimens,’^ ventured 
Roger. 

“ Maybe,” admitted Adrian, who was beginning to lose 
interest in tbe men since they seemed to be doing nothing 
out of tbe ordinary. Tbe boys followed along in silence, 
taking care to keep from observation. 

Suddenly the two men stopped. The older one set bis 
valise down and took something from it. This be seemed 
to be fitting together, and when be bad finished be bad 


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155 


a long, slender steel rod, which Mr. Ranquist, after care- 
fully selecting a place on the surface, shoved into the soil. 
He twisted it about and then drew it up, after which he 
and Mr. Dudley carefully examined the end that had gone 
down into the earth. 

I have it ! ’’ exclaimed Roger. They ’re prospecting 
for oil, that ’s what they are. They ’re not railroad sur- 
veyors at all.” 

Perhaps they ’re after gold,” suggested Adrian, all 
excited at the very thought. Cracky ! If there should 
be gold in Cardiff, wouldn’t it he great? If there was 
only a little on dad’s land, he wouldn’t have to worry 
about that mortgage.” 

Adrian had started forward, forgetting the caution he 
previously used to prevent the men from observing him, 
and as he did so he dislodged a big stone, which crashed 
down the hillside with a clatter and hang. At the sound 
both men looked up suddenly and saw the startled and 
surprised boys. Mr. Dudley made a quick motion of 
closing the valise and seemed about to hurry on. But 
with a hasty gesture Mr. Ranquist detained him and spoke 
a few hurried words to his companion. Then, turning, 
the young engineer came slowly toward the hoys, who 
did not know whether to go or stay. 

Live around here ? ” asked Mr. Ranquist, as he drew 
near Roger and Adrian. 

’Bout two miles — over to Cardiff,” answered Adrian. 

Oh, yes. Hm. Hice day, is n’t it ? Are you hunt- 
ing ? ” the man asked, suddenly. 


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N^ope,” from Adrian. 

Fishing?’’ 

ISTope.” 

What, then ? ” 

Prospecting.” 

Prospecting ? ” 

Yep.” 

What after ? ” 

Old bones.” 

Old bones ? Are yon joking, my lad ? ” 

ISTo, sir, not a bit. We ’re looking for old bones. 
They ’ll bring half a cent a pound, you know,” and there 
was not the trace of a smile on Adrian’s face. 

Oh, I see. Of course. Old bones. Humph ! Well,” 
and Mr. Kanquist did not seem to know whether to smile 
or frown. Well, my friend and I were not exactly look- 
ing for old bones. Old stones are more in our line. You 
see we came out here on a visit and thought we ’d take a 
walk out this way. We ’ve found a fine lot of old stones,” 
and Mr. Kanquist motioned rather vaguely toward his 
companion. What are you boys after, anyhow ? ” he 
finished, suddenly. 

Hothing in particular,” put in Koger, and at the 
sound of his voice, Mr. Kanquist turned quickly. 

Oh, it ’s our friend of the post-office,” he exclaimed. 

I remember you now. How are you ? ” 

Pretty well,” replied Koger. 

Hum. Glad to hear it,” responded Mr. Kanquist. 

You ’re from Hew York, are n’t you ? Well, so are we, 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 157 

Mr. Dudley and I. Came here to sort of rest up and look 
around. !N^ice place, is n’t it ? ” 

I think so,” from Roger. 

Yes. Um. Well, Mr. Dudley and I had nothing to 
do so we sauntered out here.” 

Is the railroad going through this place ? ” asked 
Adrian. We heard you were railroad surveyors,” he 
went on. 

Mr. Ranquist glanced quickly at the two boys and 
seemed to be weighing something in his mind. Advancing 
toward Adrian, he said: 

'Now you two young men appear to be smart and 
bright. If I tell you something can you keep it secret ? ” 

Yes, sir,” chorused the two boys. 

Well, then, we are getting ready to lay out a line 
through here. But we don’t want people to know it yet, 
because if they did they ’d ask a good deal more for their 
land, which we might need, than it would be worth to 
us. We ’re willing, or that is the men who are putting 
the line through, are ready to pay a good price for the 
property, but not too much. So we came out here, without 
letting any one know, to look the ground over and see 
how it lays. Then if we like it we ’ll make an offer. But 
we don’t want it talked about until we ’re ready to have 
it, that a railroad is likely to come through the valley. Do 
you understand ? ” 

The boys nodded gravely. 

Now,” went on Mr. Ranquist, I like your looks, and 
as we need two bright, smart boys who know this part of 


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the country well, we might like to engage you. How would 
you consider such a proposition ? ” 

Adrian and Roger were silent a moment, thinking. 
They were wondering if they could properly accept the 
offer. 

It won’t interfere with anything else you have to 
do,” continued Mr. Ranquist. We shall want you only 
once in a while to guide us around these parts. What do 
you say ? ” 

How much ? ” asked Adrian, always practical. 

Five dollars each,” said Mr. Ranquist, quickly. 

For which we ’re to show you around when you want 
us and say nothing about a railroad line coming through,” 
stipulated the boy. 

Exactly. I don’t mind you telling your folks, but no 
one else.” 

It ’s a go, if Roger agrees.” 

Oh, I ’ll agree fast enough,” put in Roger. 

Then here ’s your money,” said Mr. Ranquist, as if 
he feared the boys might change their minds. He drew 
some bills from his pocket, stripped off two crisp hank 
notes, and passed five dollars each to Roger and Adrian. 
The boys took the cash as if they had been used to that 
sort of thing all their lives. 

How,” said Mr. Ranquist, I guess we won’t need 
you to-day, for as a matter of fact we ’re going back to 
the hotel. But can you come with us the day after to- 
morrow? We want to travel along this ridge, back into 
the hills, and we don’t want to run the chance of getting 


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159 


lost. So can you meet us at the Cardiff Inn right after 
dinner ? ” 

I guess so,” answered Adrian. Yes, sir, we ’ll be 
there,” and he slyly nudged Roger, warning him to make 
no answer. 

Then the boys turned to go back down the hill, leaving 
Mr. Dudley and Mr. Ranquist to follow when they pleased. 
As Roger was about to go away he fancied he heard the 
older man remonstrating with Mr. Ranquist. 

We need those boys,” he thought he heard the younger 
man say. They ’ll come in handy, and I had to hire 
them. They were altogether too suspicious and knowing, 
and now I have thrown them off the track.” 

At which expression Roger wondered somewhat, and 
all the way home he was busy thinking of the mysterious 
operations of the new arrivals in Cardiff. 


CHAPTEE XVII 




ROGER SUSPECTS 

So quickly had it all happened that Eoger and Adrian 
hardly realized they had just received what was, to them, 
quite a sum of money. They entered the house all excite- 
ment, after a brisk walk, and Adrian told his father how 
he and his cousin had been engaged as guides. 

Wa’al, I must say ye aimed th’ money easy,” said 
Mr. Kimball. 

Yes, and we can get more,” Adrian exclaimed. 

We ’re to go with the men day after to-morrow, to show 
them the way. Say, dad, what do you s’pose they want 
of a railroad out here ? ” 

It ’s hard t’ say what them railroad fellers is up t’,” 
answered Mr. Kimball. Ye can’t even tell whether 
they ’re goin’ t’ put a railroad through er not.” 

But they said they were,” asserted Adrian. 

Humph ! ” was all his father answered, with a little 
snort. He was too concerned with his own matters to 
think about the possibility of a railroad, especially at this 
time. 

But the news soon spread around Cardiff, in spite of 
the fact that the boys maintained a strict silence, that a 


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161 


railroad or a trolley line was to go through the valley, and 
the residents were all talking about the possibility of it 
the next day after Koger and Adrian had met the two 
engineers. For the secret of the cousins having been 
hired as guides got out somehow, though the boys did 
not tell, and they were the envy of their companions. The 
less fortunate lads of Cardiff determined to take the first 
opportunities of offering their services to Mr. Dudley and 
Mr. Eanquist. 

The day after the boys’ engagement Mr. Kimball an- 
nounced that a lot of brush in the vineyard needed 
burning, so that the ground might be cultivated. Adrian 
and Roger thought the task so much like play they asked 
to he allowed to build the fires. 

Mr. Kimball was glad enough to have them undertake 
the task. Armed with long rakes the boys started up the 
hill and soon had heaped up several big piles of brush, 
dry leaves and twigs, which Adrian set fire to, taking care 
that none of the vines were scorched. A little wearied by 
his labors, Roger laid aside his rake, and while the flames 
were eating their way well into the debris, he strolled 
farther up the hill. It was rather a warm, pleasant day, 
and the woods, which stretched out before him, seemed to 
invite him to come in and see how the trees were putting 
on their full summer outfits of green leaves. 

Before he realized it Roger had gone some distance 
from the vineyard, and only occasionally could he catch 
a glimpse of the smoke from the brush-wood fires. There 
was scarcely a sound to break the silence, save the piping 

11 


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of some early birds, and the boy sat down on a rock under 
a big chestnut tree to rest. On a fallen log near him a 
bright green lizard crawled out to bask in the sunshine. 
Then a rustling in the dried leaves on the ground caught 
his ear. He looked in that direction to see a snake wriggle 
into view. He tossed a bit of bark toward the reptile and 
in an instant it had disappeared in alarm. The lad drew 
a long, deep breath, filling his lungs with the sweet, balmy 
spring odor of the woods, — a smell that seemed laden with 
health. 

My ! But that ’s fine ! ” he exclaimed. 

The next minute he was startled by a sound, as if some 
one had stepped on and broken a tree branch. Glancing 
up the hill he saw, rather indistinctly, some moving body. 

I guess it ’s a cow,” he remarked. 

Then he looked more closely. 

Two cows,” he added, as he noted a second form. 
“ Ho, it is nT either,” he corrected himself a moment later, 
it ’s two men,” and he rose to get a better view. It ’s 
Mr. Dudley and Mr. Ranquist. I guess they did n’t want 
to wait until to-morrow to go prospecting. I wonder what 
they ’re doing on Uncle Bert’s hill. I guess it won’t do 
any harm to watch and find out. If they strike gold, or 
decide to run a railroad here, I might as well know it. 
I suspect those men are after something, and they ’re not 
telling what it is either,” he concluded, rather wisely. 
Well, here goes for a little detective work.” 

Using as much caution as if he was trailing some wild 
and timid animal, Roger slowly made his way up the hill 


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163 


and throngh the woods in the direction the two men had 
taken. He trod lightly, being careful not to step on any 
twigs or branches, which might snap and betray his pres- 
ence. For he did not want the men to discover him. Hot 
that he was doing anything wrong, or anything he had not 
a right to do, for the men were on his uncle’s land, 
and Roger felt he should be interested in whatever they 
did. For a quarter of a mile he trailed after Mr. Dudley 
and Mr. Ranquist, easily keeping them in sight, yet re- 
maining hidden himself, since they seemed to have no 
suspicion they were being followed. 

In a little hollow, about three hundred feet away from 
the spring which burst out of the side hill, and which 
served to furnish drinking water for Mr. Kimball’s house, 
the two men came to a halt. Roger hid himself behind a 
big stone, somewhat above them, to watch. Mr. Ranquist 
drew from his valise a number of pieces of metal, which 
he screwed together until he had a rod about a yard long. 
Then, with a hammer, he proceeded to drive this downward 
into the earth. When it had been forced almost out of 
sight he screwed another section on from above and drove 
this down, and so on, until he had sent the slender steel 
rod to a depth of twenty feet into the earth. Roger noticed 
that the blows of the hammer, as they struck, produced no 
sound beyond a dull thud, which, close as he was, he could 
scarcely hear. 

He must have rubber on the hammer,” said the boy, 
or something to deaden the blows. He ’s afraid some one 
will hear him. I wonder what in the world they can be up 


164 


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to ? I must get a little nearer, so I can listen to what they 
are saying.” 

He was a little fearful about advancing any farther as 
he could not tell but that the sound of his movements might 
come to the ears of the men, now they had stopped walking 
and could hear better. He looked to see if he could ap- 
proach under cover, and then he spied a fallen log, extend- 
ing down hill, toward the centre of the little glade, in which 
the men were at work on their mysterious errand. 

The farther end of the tree trunk was up against a large 
bowlder, behind which Eoger might lie hidden, as secure 
as he was in the position he had first selected, if he could 
but reach it unobserved, and he thought he might by 
crawling along under the protecting shadow of the log. So 
with this end in view, he proceeded to act. He stretched 
out on his stomach, regardless of his clothes, like a big 
snake, and then he began to slowly -wriggle toward the 
men. 

It was not easy work, as he dared not raise himself more 
than a few inches from the ground without the danger 
of being seen above the log. Along the dried leaves and 
grass he went, pausing every few minutes to peep cautiously 
over his screen to see if the men were aware of his pres- 
ence. They seemed all unsuspicious that they were being 
watched by a sharp-eyed lad, and continued to drive the 
rod deeper into the earth. At length, after about five 
minutes of cautious crawling, Roger reached the rock, and 
he curled himself up behind it with a sigh of satisfaction. 

He was now within sixty feet of the men and could 


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165 


easily hear all they said, unless they spoke in whispers, 
which they were not likely to do. But the boy seemed to 
have had his trouble for his pains, for Mr. Dudley and 
Mr. Kanquist were not saying a word to each other. They 
were intent on the work, and Koger was keenly disap- 
pointed as, just before he started to crawl nearer, he had 
heard the murmur of their voices in earnest conversation. 

But now Mr. Banquist appeared to have used up all 
the sections of the steel rod. However, his valise had more 
tools in it, for he drew out a short iron handle, from which 
dangled a length of stout chain links. This chain he 
wound about the top part of the rod, which projected about 
a foot from the ground. The loose end of the links he 
fastened to the handle again. Then he and Mr. Dudley, 
taking a firm hold of the short bar, proceeded to twist the 
rod around in the earth. Koger watched them wonder- 
ingly. They spent five minutes in this operation, and then 
ceased, to sit down on the grass and rest. 

Do you think we ’ll strike it ? ” Roger heard Mr. 
Dudley ask his companion. 

Can’t say for sure, but it looks very promising,” was 
the reply. 

Is it gold, or is it oil ? ” Roger asked himself, softly. 

Hext, as he watched, he saw Mr. Ranquist take another 
tool from his valise, which seemed to contain the outfit of 
a small machine shop. This last instrument was like a 
lifting jack, very small and light, hut exceedingly powerful. 
With it the two men easily pulled the rod up from where 
they had driven it in the ground, lifting it section by 


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section and unscrewing each one. They seemed to be eager 
and anxious as they came toward the end, and as the last 
piece of steel emerged from the small hole, they both bent 
forward and looked at it closely. They appeared much 
excited at what they saw, and Mr. Eanquist threw his hat 
in the air and capered about like a boy. 

Hurrah ! ’’ Koger heard him shout, softly, to be sure, 
for even in his excitement the engineer did not forget his 
caution. Hurrah ! We Ve struck it all right. How to 
get hold of the land before any of the people about here 
suspect. I ’ll tell you, Dudley, our fortunes are made.” 

The older man seemed scarcely less excited than Mr. 
Eanquist. He wet his forefinger, touched the end of the 
rod with it, and then brought his finger to his tongue. 
He appeared to be tasting some substance. In a moment 
Mr. Eanquist followed his example, and then the look of 
triumph came on Mr. Dudley’s face, as it had on the coun- 
tenance of the younger engineer. Eoger, forgetting his 
role of detective, raised himself up, trying to get a sight 
of the mysterious substance. In the gleam of the sun, 
on the point of the rod which Mr. Eanquist held, the boy 
beheld, rather faintly, however, the glitter of something 
white and sparkling, something that looked like the white 
crystals of snow. 

Mr. Eanquist quickly whittled out a little stake from 
a tree branch and drove it into the small hole in the earth, 
whence he had drawn the rod. This done the men carefully 
packed their tools in the valise and started away. Eoger 
watched them until they were out of sight. Then he 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


16T 


hurried to the spot. He pulled up the stake, expecting to 
see something to disclose the mystery and reward him for 
his investigation. But there was nothing to indicate what 
the men had found that pleased them so. 

Roger was greatly disappointed. But he comforted 
himself with the reflection that, at least, he was on the track 
of the mystery. He thought quickly and realized that 
some older head than his must take up the problem now. 
Yet whom could he tell ? Mr. Kimball, he reasoned, would 
hardly be in a position to give an expert opinion as to 
what was under the earth. Then, too, he did not want to 
raise false hopes for his uncle that might be shattered after 
investigation. He could not imagine what it was the men 
had found, that they regarded as of such value. They 
evidently expected to find it, which added to the compli- 
cations. How did they know at about that spot something 
was hidden under the surface? Clearly it must he some 
mineral substance Roger thought, but what? It didn’t 
seem to be gold, unless it was in some peculiar form. 
Whatever it was, would it be worth the trouble that might 
he necessary before it could be come upon and dug out, 
unless some one, who knew just what they were searching 
after, did the work? And it was evident that the two 
men did possess this knowledge, which was so needful. 

Roger was in a dilemma, hut he resolved to discover 
a way out, if possible. Carefully marking the location of 
the stake, that he might find it again, he started home. 
He came into the vineyard just as his cousin was clearing 
up the last of the brush. 


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Well/’ said Adrian, I thought maybe you had gone 
to the house.” 

1^0,” answered Roger, I was just walking in the 
woods for my health,” and he smiled a little. 

For certain reasons he did not want even Adrian to know 
what he had seen. 

We ’ll take a long walk to-morrow,” said Adrian, 
breaking into a merry whistle. But something tells me 
it is nearly supper-time. I ’m as hungry as a bear. Hi, 
Jack!” he called to the dog, and all three started for 
home, Roger in a sort of day-dream over what he had 
discovered. 


CHAPTEE XVIII 


A BIG BLACK BEAR 

Eoger said nothing to the folks at the house of what he had 
observed. He had a plan, partly worked out in his mind, 
and he wanted to see whether or not he could accomplish 
anything before he told his uncle or cousin. He resolved 
to wait until after the next day and observe what hap- 
pened when he and Adrian went to guide Mr. Dudley and 
Mr. Kanquist over the hills, for Eoger shrewdly suspected 
that the men required no piloting to find what they sought. 
However, he thought it was not necessary to mention that 
to any one. 

At the time appointed he and Adrian presented them- 
selves at the Pine Tree Inn and asked for the two en- 
gineers. Mr. Eanquist came down. 

Ah,” he said, looking at his watch and smiling, you 
are prompt, I see. Mr. Dudley and I will be with you in 
a few minutes.” 

In a little while the two men appeared, both dressed in 
rough clothes suitable for a tramp through the woods. 

Well, boys,” began Mr. Eanquist, pleasantly, my 
friend and I are very anxious to take a little trip about the 
valley, and we would like particularly to visit the place 


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where the Cardiff giant was found. Can you show that spot 
to us ? ” 

Of course I can,” said Adrian. It ’s right over 
there,” and he pointed to a broad stretch of meadows across 
the valley flats about three miles off. 

Over there, eh ? ” remarked Mr. Ranquist, I had an 
idea it was back up this way,” and he pointed in the 
opposite direction. However, as long as it is not where 
I thought it was, we will defer our trip to see the resting- 
place of the big stone man until some other time. Mr. 
Dudley and I would like to get the lay of the land on this 
side of the hills that slope down into this part of the 
country,” and he waved his hands toward the place where 
Roger had seen the two engineers at their mysterious 
operations. “ Is there a good path up along there, and could 
you show us the way? We don’t mind roughing it, but 
we dislike getting lost,” finished Mr. Ranquist. 

I guess we can show you all right,” said Adrian. 

Do you want to start now ? ” 

I think so,” Mr. Ranquist answered, so all four began 
their walk. Instead of going down the road toward the 
sulphur spring, which was the way the two engineers had 
taken first, Adrian suggested a shorter path. This, he 
said, would be to go up the Lafayette hill about a mile 
and then hear off to the right, where he knew of a fairly 
good trail. So it was decided to take this route. During 
the climb up the hill Roger recalled the thrilling ride 
down it a few months before. The boys kept slightly in 
advance of the men, who walked more slowly than their 


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171 


younger companions, for the lads, in the excess of their 
muscular energy, wandered from side to side in the road, 
going over about twice as much ground as was really ne- 
cessary. But they never noticed such a little thing as that. 

Boger glanced back to see if the men were within ear- 
shot, and when he found they were not, he spoke to 
Adrian in a low voice. 

Say, Adrian, is there any way of getting near the 
spring on your father’s place from the path we are to 
take ? ” he asked. 

Yes, but what do you want to do that for ? ” 

Why, if these men are looking for a location for a 
railroad it might not be a bad plan to show ’em some of 
your father’s land. They might want a bit of it, and if 
they gave him a good price, as I ’ve heard railroads do, 
he could pay off that mortgage. I7o harm in trying.” 

Say ! That ’s a good idea,” exclaimed Adrian. I ’ll 
do it.” 

Don’t say anything,” cautioned Roger. Just kind 
of edge off in the right direction, and when we get to a 
certain place, I ’ll say something. You leave it to me.” 

But what ’s up ? What do you mean ? ” asked Adrian, 
with sudden interest. 

Oh, nothing in particular,” answered Roger. Look 
at that fox ! ” he shouted, quickly, as he picked up a stone 
and threw it at the animal. 

Where ? Where is it ? ” yelled Adrian, all excitement. 

He ’s gone now,” said Roger, but he was right there 
by that old stump.” 


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We 11 have to come up here with a trap and a gun if 
there foxes,” decided Adrian. Their skins bring good 
money.” 

The boys kept on up the hill and soon came to the 
place where they were to leave the main road and strike 
into the woods. They waited a few minutes for their 
older companions to catch up, and then took up the lead 
again. All four kept closely together now, so there was 
little chance for the boys to converse without being over- 
heard. Accordingly they confined their talk to comment 
on what they saw along the path. Both listened intently 
to what the two men were saying, but Mr. Dudley and 
Mr. Kanquist were apparently exchanging opinions on past 
occurrences. 

They talked of something which had taken place in 
I7ew York. I7ot once did they refer to a railroad or 
anything like it. They seemed content to tramp along, 
paying no attention to the beauties of nature on every 
side of them. The trees, that bore more than half their 
summer suits of green, the soft moss under foot, the flit- 
ting of the birds from branch to branch — all these had 
no attractions for them. But to Roger such sights were 
a constant enjoyment, and he took in deep breaths of the 
balmy air, laden, as it was, with health. 

They had gone about a mile along the path on the side 
of the hill, during which time the men had seemed con- 
tent to follow the boys’ lead. At length Adrian nudged 
Roger and pointed to a path that branched off from the 


main one. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


173 


That will take you to our spring/’ he said, in a low tone. 

Go ahead down it then,” replied Eoger. Maybe 
you ’ll see something happen soon.” 

Wondering what his cousin could mean, Adrian ad- 
vanced, and Roger glancing back noticed with satisfac- 
tion that the two men had followed them without question. 

Por ten minutes the boys led the way with never a 
word of protest from Mr. Dudley or Mr. Ranquist, who 
did not seem to notice they were going in a different 
direction from that which they desired. Suddenly a big 
rabbit darted across the path, almost at Mr. Dudley’s 
feet. He started, looked at the animal, as if wondering 
how it came there, and then he glanced up, seeming to 
realize that he was at a spot he had not intended to reach. 

Why ! Why ! Boys ! ” he exclaimed, turning to the 
younger engineer. 

What is it ? ” broke in Mr. Ranquist. 

What are we coming this way for ? ” asked Mr. 
Dudley. I thought we were going straight along the 
side of the hill. Instead, we are going down.” 

At this Mr. Ranquist looked alarmed as he glanced at 
the two boys. 

Well,” said Roger, coming forward a few steps, you 
see this path goes to a spring down in a little glade. We 
thought you might like to see it. If you ’re going to build 
a railroad the spring would furnish water for the locomo- 
tives. There ’s a good place for a depot down in the little 
glade, too.” 

Why, why — ,” stammered Mr. Dudley. 


174 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


It looks as if there was coal there, too, — coal or — or 
something,’’ he finished, looking narrowly at the men, 
and coal and water might be good things for a railroad, 
it seems to me.” 

For a brief instant there came a dangerous look into 
Mr. Kanquist’s eyes. His face grew pale, and he seemed 
to control himself with a great effort. Mr. Dudley also 
appeared very much surprised. Mr. Ranquist forced him- 
self to burst into a laugh that had no mirth in it. 

^^Ha! Ha! Ha !” he shouted. Hot bad, eh, Mr. 
Dudley? Water for the engine. Well! Well! Well!” 

He laughed again. 

Coal upon this hill! Oh, dear! Oh, dear! Well, 
my boy,” he went on, clapping Roger on the back good- 
naturedly, it ’s very nice of you to think of these things 
for our railroad, but, bless you, we would n’t want to stop 
in a place like this for coal or water. If the line goes 
through here,” with a significant look at Mr. Dudley, it 
will make only fiying stops. I suppose this land, where the 
coal and water is, belongs to some friend of yours, eh ? ” 
and he looked at the boys narrowly. 

It ’s my father’s,” broke in Adrian. But I never 
knew there was coal on it. There ’s a spring, and a good 
one, but nobody ever thought of looking for coal. I wish 
there was some.” 

Why ? ” from Mr. Dudley, suddenly. 

Because,” answered Adrian, “ my father might get 
a good enough price for it, so ’s he could sell some and pay 
off the mortgage on the rest.” 


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175 


Oh, then the farm is mortgaged ? ” 

Yes.” And then the boj seemed to realize that he 
was talking too freely to strangers, and he stopped. 

Well,” went on Mr. Dudley, I ’m sorry to say as 
far as I can see there ’s not the least chance of any coal 
ever being found in this section of the country. It is not 
the kind of land where coal is located.” 

Adrian looked the disappointment he felt. He had really 
hoped there might be coal on his father’s farm. 

Do you want to go down by the spring ? ” persisted 
Eoger, starting off in that direction. 

Um, ah — yes. I think we might as well as not,” 
said Mr. Ranquist, in spite of the obvious efforts Mr. 
Dudley made to have him say something different. 

All four started off, but at that instant there came a 
sudden sound to the left. It was a crashing of the under- 
brush and bushes, as if some heavy, lumbering body was 
being forced through them. Then a black shape burst into 
view, and the next second a big, ungainly animal, tall and 
covered with dark fur, thrust itself into the open, while 
the wide-stretched mouth showed the lolling red tongue and 
glistening white fangs of an immense black bear. 

For a moment neither men nor boys knew which way 
to turn. The beast, however, was not at all undecided in 
his movements. With a savage growl he came lurching 
clumsily forward, and the sight of his fierce anger filled 
the members of the little party with terror. Adrian was 
the first to appreciate the danger. 

Every one to a tree ! ” he shouted, and take the 


176 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


smallest and thinest that will hold you, or he ’ll climb up 
after ! ” 

He made for a slender sapling and scrambled quickly up 
it, while the others lost no time in following his example. 
Mr. Dudley, in spite of his years, sprinted like a college 
chap getting down on a kick in the football field when he 
wants to nail the other man in his tracks. But though 
the engineer was quick, the brute was almost as nimble. 

Just as Mr. Dudley got safely above the ground, in a 
tree that fortunately was directly in his path and not 
far away, the bear made a dangerous lunge for him with its 
front paws. The sharp claws caught the cloth of the man’s 
trousers and held on for an instant. The bear pulled 
savagely, hut, with a rip, the garments gave way and the 
claws slipped from the rent, leaving Mr. Dudley free. 

The men and boys were now secure in trees above the 
ground, while below them, going from one sapling to an- 
other, the bear growled and foamed in his rage at seeing 
his enemies escape him. After making a tour of the place, 
and trying in vain to climb the tree where Mr. Dudley was 
perched, the beast squatted down on his haunches, in the 
centre of the group, and sat thus, awaiting developments. 

Well,” remarked Mr. Banquist, after a pause, this 
is a pretty kettle of fish, I must admit.” 

I would say it was four kettles,” said Mr. Dudley, 
with an attempt at cheerfulness. 


CHAPTEK XIX 


ROGER MAKES PLAITS 

For a few minutes after the exciting scrabble for trees, 
there was a deep silence among the four. They were all 
interested in the movements of the bear. Having squatted 
on his haunches for a little while, the beast dropped to 
a walking position, and strolled about, sniffing deeply at 
the foot of each sapling which held a human occupant. 
He uttered loud woofs ’’ of disgust, and then, standing 
under the tree where Mr. Dudley was, the animal acted as 
if he was going to climb up. 

The brute’s sharp claws tore showers of bark and wood 
from the slender trunk, and his efforts caused the sapling 
to shake considerable, making Mr. Dudley’s perch some- 
what insecure. 

Hold on there ! Hold on ! ” exclaimed the engineer 
in a protesting tone. Then, as he saw the uselessness of 
ordering a bear he added more gently, Oh, say. Bruin. 
Ho ! ho ! Easy now, that ’s a good fellow ! ” It seemed 
as though Mr. Dudley was talking to a restive horse. 

The man’s voice apparently angered the bear, which 
redoubled its efforts to get up the tree, though the slender 
trunk proved an effective barrier. 

12 


178 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Oh, I say now ! ” cried Mr. Dudley, looking helplessly 
at his companions, call him off, some of you. This 
won’t do at all. He ’ll shake me down and eat me. Call 
him off, can’t you ? ” 

I ’m afraid he does n’t care to be called,” said Mr. 
Hanquist, with just the suspicion of a smile on his face. 
He seems an obstinate sort of brute.” 

But what ’s to he done, what ’s to be done ? ” inquired 
Mr. Dudley, testily. We can’t stay here all day, Kan- 
quist, like ripe apples, waiting to he shaken down by this 
beast. Something must be done ; I insist on it. I ’ll 
— I ’ll — What did you boys want to lead us into a 
bear’s den for ? ” he asked, turning toward Roger and 
Adrian. 

We did n’t know there were bears about,” answered 
Adrian, a little crestfallen at the mishap. There has n’t 
been any hears near Cardiff before in ten years.” 

Stuff and nonsense ! Stuff and nonsense ! ” inter- 
rupted Mr. Dudley shortly. I believe you boys did this 
for a joke. If you did — ” 

Oh, pshaw ! ” came from Mr. Ranquist, of course it 
is n’t the hoys’ fault. How could they help it ? ” 

Well, perhaps they could n’t,” admitted Mr. Dudley, 
but it ’s very unpleasant, to say the least.” 

Then the hear began another attack on the tree where 
Mr. Dudley was, with such savage energy that it needed 
all the engineer’s strength to prevent himself from being 
shaken down. 

Oh ! Oh ! ” cried Mr. Dudley, desperately. “ Some- 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 179 

thing will have to he done at once. Help ! Help ! ” he 
yelled. 

Have n’t either of you men a revolver ? ” called Roger. 

By Jove ! I never thought of it ! ” said Mr. Ranquist, 
suddenly. Of course I have. But I ’m not a very good 
shot, and, if I was, I ’m afraid the small bullets in my 
gun would n’t cause his bearship much annoyance. It ’s 
only a .22 calibre,” he added. 

Carefully balancing himself, the young engineer drew 
the weapon from his pocket. His movement seemed to 
interest bruin, who left his position under Mr. Dudley’s 
tree, and ambled over to the sapling where Mr. Ranquist 
was perched, much to the relief of the older prospector. 

I ’m going to shoot,” said Mr. Ranquist. I don’t 
know what will happen after it, so look out, every one.” 

Taking as good aim as he could, Mr. Ranquist fired at 
the brute. There was no evidence that the bullet hit, 
so he blazed away again. This was another miss, hut the 
third attempt was more effective, for, with an angry roar, 
the animal dropped on all fours, and began clawing his 
snout with his left paw. A few spots of blood showed 
on the ground. 

You hit him ! You hit him ! ” exclaimed Mr. Dudley, 
and, in his delight, he tried to caper about on his slender 
perch, with the result that he nearly tumbled off. 

Oh, yes, I hit him,” admitted Mr. Ranquist, showing 
just a little pride in the achievement. I winged him, 
hut I ’ll have to do better than that, if I want to persuade 
him to go away. These bullets are only flea-bites to him.’^ 


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THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


The little leaden pellet did not seem to cause the bear 
much suffering, but the pain angered him, and, with 
savage growls, he made fierce efforts to get at the man he 
apparently knew had fired the shot. In rapid succession 
Mr. Ranquist pulled the trigger four times more, but none 
of these balls touched a vital spot, though two of them 
struck the beast in the head. He was now wild with rage. 

Mr. Ranquist began to reload his revolver. 

I Ve only one more round — seven shots,’’ he called. 

Hold on then ! ” shouted Adrian. You can’t kill 
him with those. If you ’ll hold his attention long enough, 
by firing at him, I ’ll shin down, and go for help. We ’ll 
need somebody with a gun for this bear.” 

Do you think you can do it ? ” asked Mr. Ranquist, 
anxiously. I would n’t want you to get hurt.” 

Sure I can do it,” replied Adrian, with all a boy’s 
ability in his power to do something he has never tried 
before. 

“ I rather dislike the idea, for I ’m afraid he ’ll get 
away from me, even if I keep firing at him, and take 
after you,” objected Mr. Ranquist. 

I ’ll chance it,” was Adrian’s answer. Go ahead 
with loading up, and, when you ’re ready I ’ll scramble 
down. His back is toward me, when he ’s under your tree.” 

“ All right,” called Mr. Ranquist, slipping in the last 
cartridge. 

He took as careful aim as he could, and fired a shot. 
This time he had the luck to hit the beast on its tender 
snout, which so enraged and pained the bear that he did 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


181 


not notice Adrian’s quick movement. In order to fully 
cover the retreat Mr. Ranquist kept blazing away, and 
hit bruin twice more, though the wounds were slight. 
However, they served to keep the bear’s attention on the 
man with the revolver, and Adrian slipped to the ground, 
edging away cautiously through the trees. When at a 
safe distance to prevent the noise being heard, he broke 
into a run. 

With his last bullet gone, Mr. Ranquist settled back in 
the crotch of his tree. He, Mr. Dudley, and Roger made 
themselves as comfortable as possible, to wait until help 
arrived. 

Meanwhile the bear went sniffing from tree to tree, 
getting more fierce in his rage every minute. Only the 
small diameter of the saplings prevented him from climb- 
ing up them. For perhaps half an hour the three were 
thus held prisoners, though it seemed much longer to them, 
all cramped as they were. Suddenly they noticed that the 
brute was acting strangely. He sniffed the air, and growled 
yet more savagely, and the hair on his back bristled up. 

I ’ll bet some one is coming,” said Mr. Ranquist. 

I only hope they have a gun. I would n’t care to meet 
his bearship on the ground without one, in his present 
frame of mind.” 

The next instant there was a sharp crack. The bear 
gave a convulsive jump, and staggered back, clawing the 
air with his forepaws, and growling. Then he fell over 
backward in a heap. 

Good ! ” shouted Mr. Dudley. 


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A little cloud of smoke floated out from behind a big 
chestnut tree. !N’ext there came another rifle shot. The 
body of the beast shivered in a spasm, and then was very 
still. 

Him very much dead now. Yo’ all kin come down,’^ 
called a guttural voice, and Indian Johnny Green came 
into view, followed by Adrian. 

Mr. Dudley, Mr. Kanquist and Eoger lost no time in 
descending. They were somewhat stiff from standing in 
a cramped position in the tree so long, but, otherwise, 
and aside from the scare, no worse for the adventure. 

Well, it did nT take you long to bring help,” observed 
Mr. Dudley, grateful to the boy, though a little while 
before he had been inclined to blame him. 

I happened to meet Johnny Green when I ’d gone 
about a mile,” said Adrian. It ’s lucky he had his gun.” 

It ^s rather a lucky affair all around,” said Mr. 
Kanquist. 

The Indian paid no more attention to the party, but 
proceeded to examine his prize, for the bear rightfully 
belonged to him. The animal was fat and of good size, 
and Johnny Green was well pleased. 

I guess we ’ll call this exploring expedition off for 
the rest of the day,” suggested Mr. Kanquist. “ I ’m sure 
we are much obliged to you boys for coming along, and 
especially to you, Adrian, for being brave enough to go 
for help when you did.” 

That was nothing,” answered the boy, a little abashed 
at the praise. 


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183 


We shall expect you to go with us some other day 
this week/’ went on the engineer. Now, if you ’ll lead 
the way we will go back to the hotel.” 

The two boys talked of nothing but the bear on the 
road home, but the men maintained a silence. The 
Indian had remained behind to look after his game. The 
party soon reached the inn, and, while the men went to 
their room Koger and Adrian hurried home to tell the 
news. 

Say, Roger,” asked Adrian, what made you so 
anxious to lead ’em on to our land by the spring ? ” 

Because,” answered Roger, as if the matter was of 
no importance, I thought they might like to get a 
drink. I know I did, and that ’s very good water you 
see.” 

You ’re right about that,” agreed Adrian, and by this 
time the two boys were at the house, where, in the excite- 
ment of telling his father and mother about the bear, 
'Adrian forgot all else. 

As soon as Roger could slip off without attracting notice 
from the folks, he made his way up the village street. 
Pausing before a pretty vine-covered cottage, he looked 
back to see that Adrian was not in sight, and then en- 
tered the gate. 

Is Professor Bailey in ? ” he asked, when Mrs. Bailey 
opened the door. 

He is,” she answered. 

Tell him, please, that Adrian Kimball’s cousin, Roger, 
would like to see him.” 


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Come right in,” invited Mrs. Bailey. You ^11 find 
him in the front room.” 

And there, surrounded by heaps of books, Roger found 
the professor, Guy Bailey, principal of the Cardiff school. 
The boy knew him from having occasionally gone to the 
institution with Adrian. 

Well, Roger,” began the professor, I ’m glad to see 
you. Come in and sit down. Can I do anything for 
you ? ” 

I think so,” answered the boy. I Ve come for a little 
information.” Then he plunged at once into the object 
of his visit. 

Professor^” he asked, do you think anybody would 
dig for gold in the hills around Cardiff ? ” 

Bless my soul, no! What do you mean? This is 
not a gold country, like California or the Klondike. What 
put that idea into your head ? ” 

I ’ll tell you a little later. Do you s’pose they would 
dig for coal ? ” 

Hardly that, either. There isn’t the kind of land 
black diamonds grow in around here, that is, as far as I 
know.” 

Or iron?” 

Scarcely iron,” answered Professor Bailey, with a 
puzzled look at the boy. But why do you ask me these 
questions? Are you thinking of turning miner instead 
of farmer ? ” with a smile. 

Perhaps,” said Roger, and his serious air convinced 
the professor that the boy had some motive in his inquiries. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


185 


You see I can’t tell you all about it just now, nor why 
I want to know this, Professor, hut I will some day. I 
want, most of all, to find out what, if anything, of value 
could be in the Cardiff hills, that would make men, or 
a company of capitalists, want to get possession of certain 
land. It might be, I suppose, coal, or iron, or gold, or 
something else. The question is, what is it ? ” 

You are asking me to go ahead pretty much in the 
dark,” objected Professor Bailey. 

I ’m sorry, but I ’m afraid those are all the clues I 
can give you now,” said Koger. 

Well, I ’ll do my best to answer your puzzle,” went 
on the teacher. Prom what I ’ve read and know of the 
geological formation about here, I cannot think of any 
mineral or other deposit that would naturally be expected 
in this section. But of course it might be that, unknown 
to any one, except a certain person, there would be a valua- 
ble mine of something beneath the surface. Some mineral 
or quartz, but hardly coal, nor iron, nor gold.” 

Perhaps it might be oil,” suggested Boger. 

“ I ’m afraid not,” was the reply, “ though, as I said, 
almost anything is possible, but in this instance, not 
very probable. If you were to show me a certain spot, I 
might be able to say, with more certainty than I can now, 
whether or not a particular mineral would be apt to be 
present.” 

I can’t take you to the place,” said Roger, who was 
determined to guard his secret well, because I want to 
keep this quiet as long as I can. But, Professor, if I 


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brought you a sample of rocks, or minerals, or — or — 
something — could you tell me then ? ” 

Possibly I could.’^ 

Then I ’ll see if I can’t get some samples for you. 
But, please don’t tell any one I was in to see you about 
this. IN’ot that there ’s anything wrong,” quickly added 
Roger, but,” and he advanced closer, this may mean 
a good deal to some people, and I don’t want to raise 
hopes and have them disappointed.” 

Very well,” answered the Professor, a little puzzled 
about it all, but knowing, from Roger’s frank and honest 
face that there could be nothing but what was right. 

Very well. I ’ll keep quiet, you may depend on it. 
And, when you bring me something more definite to work 
on, I ’ll help you all I can,” and, with a hearty hand- 
shake, Professor Bailey showed Roger to the door. 

R’ow,” said the boy to himself, as he walked slowly 
toward his uncle’s house, now to find out what they were 
digging for. I must get some of that stuff they brought 
up on the end of the drill. And I ’ll have to work quickly, 
for I think Mr. Ranquist suspects that I know.” 


CHAPTER XX 


UlTDERNEATH THE GEOUHD 

Eoe several days after the adventure with the hear Roger 
had no opportunity of going to the glade where the spring 
bubbled up, in order to find, if possible, what object the 
two engineers had in drilling there. Adrian was obliged 
to busy himself with various duties about the farm and 
garden, in order to get ready for the advanced spring 
planting, and Roger felt that he ought to help his cousin. 
But, all this time, Roger was busy thinking how he might 
accomplish his object, and get some of that mysterious 
substance which Mr. Dudley and Mr. Ranquist examined 
so eagerly. 

He thought of a number of plans, but rejected them 
all as impracticable. Most of them would have necessitated 
the bringing in of some one to help him, and this he did 
not want to do. Even when busiest at his tasks with 
Adrian, his mind was continually on this one subject, and, 
after a few days, it seemed it would be impossible for 
him, with his own unaided efforts, to dig down into the 
earth and find what was beneath the surface. But Roger 
was not a boy who gave a thing up because it was diflBcult. 

One night, after a somewhat hard day in the garden, 
during which the boys had set out a lot of cabbage plants, 


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and hoed the early beans, they were sitting in the parlor, 
Adrian showing Roger some books. One was a sea story, 
and there was a picture of a sailor heaving the log, in the 
old-fashioned way. Roger glanced at the reading matter, 
which told how, on board ship, the lead was sounded, and 
how the speed of the ship, as well as the depth of the 
water through which she was sailing, was ascertained. 

The tale went on to relate how sometimes, the sailors 
used a piece of lead, with a hollow scooped in the lower 
end, into which space they would place some tallow. Then 
they would throw the weighted line overboard, and when 
the lead struck bottom, some of the mud and shells, of 
which the ocean bed is composed, would adhere to the grease 
in the hollow, scooped-out place. When the sinker was 
hauled to the surface and examined, experienced seamen 
could tell what sort of an anchorage they might find. 

Roger started when he read this. He glanced over it 
again, carefully, and his heart beat suddenly, at the idea 
which came to him. His cheeks burned red with the 
happy thought, and he was almost afraid that Adrian 
would see his excitement, and question him. He made 
an excuse to go to his room, and busied himself there some 
time before he blew out his light and went to bed. 

He dreamed, that night, of climbing down into a deep, 
dark mine, which sparkled and glittered with the gold 
and diamonds lining the steep sides. 

The next day Roger made a hasty breakfast. To his 
relief Adrian did not ask him to help with the farm work, 
nor did the country lad suggest, as he often did, a tramp 


IllL ' 





THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


189 


through the woods; and Roger was very glad, for he had 
a plan to put in operation. 

So, as soon as Adrian had left the house, having to go 
on an errand to a neighbor’s, Roger stepped out of the 
back door, and made his way slowly to the path that led 
up through the vineyard, and, so on, to the spring glade. 
His pocket bulged with a number of objects, and, though 
he tried not to show it, he was considerably excited. It 
did not take him long to reach the spot where he bad 
hidden himself from sight the day he watched Mr. Ranquist 
and Mr. Dudley drill down into the earth. He was 
almost afraid something might have happened to the 
place, but a careful look, showed him nothing had been 
disturbed. 

There was the stone, behind which he first took his 
position, and the log, in the protecting shadow of which 
he had worked his way to a spot whence he might hear 
better. There was the second stone, and, after a little 
searching about he was able to discover the stick that the 
men had driven into the hole in the ground. He remem- 
bered pulling this up, after they had gone, and his disap- 
pointment at not finding anything there. How he was 
resolved to be more careful in his method. 

He looked warily about, to see that he was unobserved, 
and then he slowly took up the small stake, so as not to 
disturb the dirt around the edges of the opening. In 
this he was successful, and, after a few seconds he was able 
to lift out the stick, and was rewarded by seeing a small 
circular shaft, about two inches in diameter, extending 


190 


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down into the unfathomable blackness. I^ow Roger was 
soon to know whether his plan would succeed. 

From his pocket he drew a long, stout fishline, at one 
end of which was fastened a lead weight, slightly smaller 
around than the hole, and having a saucer-shaped de- 
pression in one end. He made sure that the sinker was 
tight on the string. From a small bottle he took a little 
rosin and beeswax, which he had decided to use instead 
of the tallow that served the sailors. He could get the 
wax more easily, and he thought that by stiffening it with 
rosin, it would answer just as well. How he was all 
ready to put his scheme into execution. 

Lying down flat on his face, he carefully lowered the 
weight into the hole, keeping a strong hold of the string, 
so it would not pay out too fast. How anxiously did he 
watch the slender cord slipping down and do^vn into the 
depths, the leaden messenger pulling it with a gentle force. 
Farther and farther it went into the black hole. What 
would it come to rest on? .Would it fulfil its mission, 
and get to the bottom of the opening ? Or would the line 
be cut by sharp rocks ? Once, when it had gone a quarter 
of the length of the string, the lead caught on some pro- 
jection. How Roger’s heart beat, fearing it would go 
no farther. He cautiously pulled the weight up a little 
and let it fall gently. This served to pass it beyond the 
stone that probably jutted out and stopped the progress 
momentarily. Then it kept on going down. The boy was 
straining every nerve in his eagerness to see what was 
down there, at the bottom of that little hole. 







THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


191 


At length, after a few minutes, during which time the 
line had slid through his fingers, it suddenly slackened. 
Was this the end of the tiny shaft, or only another catch 
and temporary stopping on the downward journey? The 
hoy pressed himself closer to the ground. He raised the 
string and from slackness it became taut with the heft 
of lead. Then Roger let it fall again, and it seemed to 
strike solid earth, or something. The cord no longer payed 
out. Once, twice, three times, he tried this, raising the 
weight and letting it fall suddenly, so that the wax and 
rosin in the saucer-shaped end might catch whatever there 
was at the bottom of the hole, and retain it. 

Then Roger began to raise the lead to the surface. He 
worked slowly, and more cautiously than he had in lower- 
ing it, as, if the string caught on a projection now, it 
would be almost impossible to pull it up without tearing 
off the weight, and that would mean the failure of the 
whole plan. It was necessary to he careful, also, in order 
that whatever was imbedded in the wax might not he shaken 
off. Hand over hand he drew the cord up, and, with a 
fiercely heating heart, he saw the sinker come into view. 
He reached for it with trembling hands. Then, in the glow 
of the sunlight which streamed down on him, he turned 
the lead so that he might behold what the wax contained. 

If he expected to see glittering specks of yellow gold, 
he was sorely disappointed. Hor was there anything he 
could think represented wealth, not even pieces of some 
mineral which would account for the great interest Mr. 
Dudley and Mr. Ranquist showed in their discovery. 


192 


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With eyes that were a trifle dim from a sense that he 
had failed, Eoger gazed at the waxed end of the weight. 
Imbedded in the sticky surface the boy saw some white 
crystals, which glinted and sparkled in the sun. Only 
some white crystals, that might have been chipped off a 
light-colored rock. To Eoger they meant nothing. Almost 
idly he brushed them into the palm of his hand and rose 
to his feet. This, then, was the end of his hopes. The 
hole in the earth meant nothing, or else had been drilled 
for some object he could not discover. His golden dream 
of hidden wealth beneath his uncle’s farm, by which the 
mortgage could be paid, was over now. 

He turned away, and was about to throw the white 
crystals aside, when a sound behind caused him to start. 
He saw, emerging from the woods, Mr. Eanquist. The 
engineer appeared much disturbed at the sight of the 
boy. He stood still a moment, and then came forward 
rapidly. In his hand he carried a valise, which, as he 
dropped it on the ground, gave forth a metallic, clanking 
sound. Mr. Eanquist came close to Eoger, who scarcely 
knew what to do. 

Well,” began the man, and his voice was so strange 
that the boy felt vaguely alarmed, well — ” and he 
stopped. 

How do you do, Mr. Eanquist ? ” said the lad, as 
politely as he knew how. 

Humph ! What right — I mean, what are you doing 
here ? Spying on me ? If you are, I warn you, boy, you ’ll 
be sorry for it. I have been suspicious of you, since the 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


193 


other day when you offered to lead us here. Now,” and 
the engineer spoke sternly, what do you mean ? ” 

Why, Mr. Ranquist — I — er — I — ” 

No nonsense, now ! ” 

For a moment Roger was somewhat frightened. Then 
his natural courage came back to him, and he felt a just 
resentment at the tone and manner of the man. 

Mr. Ranquist,” he said. I have as much right, and 
more, than you have, on this property. I — ” 

What have you in your hand ? ” interrupted the en- 
gineer, looking at the fist which Roger unconsciously 
had closed over the white crystals. And what are you 
doing with that string and weight,” as he caught sight of 
the fishline and sinker. Answer me ! ” 

Mr. Ranquist darted suddenly at Roger, exclaiming : 
You have been trying to discover the secret of the 
hole we drilled ! Well I T1 spoil that game for you, my 
young friend ! ” 

With a violent spring the engineer was almost upon the 
boy, but Roger was too quick for him. He leaped to one 
side, his fist tightly clenched over the crystals, which now 
seemed of considerable value to him, when he saw what 
importance Mr. Ranquist attached to the matter. With a 
cry of astonishment and anger at the threatened attack, 
but showing no sign of fear, Roger bounded out of the 
glade and ran through the woods, and down the hill, with 
Mr. Ranquist crashing through the brush after him. The 
chase was on. 

After the first rush and surprise Roger collected his 

13 


194 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


thoughts, and determined that Mr. Ranquist should not 
catch him. Or if the man outran him, he resolved he 
would not give up what he had without a fierce struggle. 
The excitement of the desperate race urged him on, and 
he felt he could run a mile or more. He knew he was in 
a better condition for sprinting than he had been in many 
months. So when he heard the engineer coming after him, 
he was almost pleased at the idea of the running contest. 
He believed he could win. 

So he kept on, now stumbling over a low stump or a 
projecting root, now tripping on a fallen log, or sinking 
into a soft spot, but never slacking pace. The sounds 
made by his pursuer came more faintly to him. Presently 
they died away altogether, and the boy felt he could safely 
stop. He listened intently, but there came not a noise 
from the woods behind him. Mr. Ranquist had given up. 

Well,’’ thought Roger, defiantly, he did n’t make 
me give him these crystals, and he did n’t catch me. How 
I wonder what I had better do ? ” 

He thought over the situation for a few minutes, while 
he rested from the chase, and then he decided on a plan. 

I ’ll bet Mr. Ranquist and Mr. Dudley will do some- 
thing very soon now,” he said to himself. He thinks 
I have discovered his secret, and so I have, though I don’t 
know exactly what it is. But as long as he thinks I have 
found him out, he ’ll be likely to get possession of Uncle 
Bert’s land. And Uncle Bert will sell it to him because 
he needs the money so much, and he ’ll never know there ’s 
something valuable hidden under the surface until it is 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


195 


too late. I must hurry to Professor Bailey and see what 
he says. He ought to he able to tell what these crystals 
are.’’ 

With a heart that beat very hopefully Roger went down 
the path, and by a roundabout way to the professor’s 
house. He did not want Mr. Kimball to see him. The 
boy knocked on the door, which was answered by Mrs. 
Bailey. 

Sorry,” she said, in response to Roger’s question, 
but Professor Bailey is not home. He went away this 
morning, to be gone several weeks. Can I do anything 
for you ? ” 

Ho,” replied Roger, and his heart sank. It would 
be too late, unless he could soon find out what the white 
crystals were, for his uncle was not likely to delay in the 
sale of the land on merely a boy’s suspicion. What was 
he to do ? Pondering on this problem, he left the front 
gate of the professor’s house just as a wagon rattled up. 


CHAPTER XXI 


ROGER TAKES A JOURNEY 

Roger was uncertain for a few minutes what to do. He 
heard the wagon rumbling past him, but gave no notice 
to the driver until the latter called out: 

“ Hello, young man ! Want a ride ? 

Then the boy saw that the man was his uncle’s neighbor, 
Enberry Took. Up to that minute Roger had not the 
remotest idea of taking a ride, but for some reason he 
could not explain, he resolved to get into the wagon. He 
wanted time to think of some new plan. So he nodded in 
answer to Mr. Took’s invitation. 

Whoa, Kate ! ” called Enberry to his mare, and pulled 
up opposite Professor Bailey’s gate. Roger climbed to 
the seat, having first wrapped his precious crystals in a 
piece of paper before placing them in an inside pocket. 

G’lang [ ” shouted Mr. Took to Kate in a loud voice. 
“ She ’s a little deef,” the driver explained, indicating 
his mare. Gittin’ wuss, too. Hev t’ git her a ear 
trumpet soon, ef it keeps on. Look kinder queer, would n’t 
it, a mare ’ith a ear trumpet ? ” 

I think it would,” replied Roger, smiling at the idea. 

“ G’lang ! ” shouted Mr. Took again, and this time the 
mare started off at a slow pace. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


197 


The two rode for a few minutes in silence. 

!Rice day,” ventured Enberry at length. 

Fine,” assented Koger. 

Goin’ fer ? ” went on Mr. Took, flicking a fly from the 
mare’s back. 

“ Why, yes — er — that is — I don’t know. I mean 
I can’t say.” 

Wa’al, we ’ll git at it arter a while,” laughed Enberry. 

Which is it?” 

Where are you going ? ” asked Koger, a sudden thought 
coming to him. 

Syracuse. Why ? ” 

That ’s where I ’m going then.” 

Humph ! Made up yer mind rather suddint,” com- 
mented Enberry, with a grin. But ye ’re welcome, all 
th’ same. I won’t be cornin’ back ’til rather late though, 
’long about nine o’clock,” he added. 

That will suit me good enough,” said Roger. I ’ll 
tell you what it is,” growing confldential, and knowing he 
could trust Mr. Took. I want to go to Syracuse to And 
a chemist. I have something, and I want to find out what 
it is. I was going to ask Professor Bailey, but he has 
gone away, and I ’m in a hurry. I don’t s’pose you know 
of a man out to the city who could tell all about minerals 
and such things, do you ? ” 

Ye say ye ’ve got suthin’ ’n’ don’t know what it is ? ” 
asked Mr. Took, with rather a puzzled look on his face. 

Roger nodded. 

Then I know th’ very place fer ye,” said Enberry, 


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THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


suddenly. “ Perfessor Bootsky ’s th’ man fer ye. He ’s 
a fortune teller. That ’s what ye want. He ’ll reveal th’ 
past, present, ’n’ future. I went t’ him onct. Told me 
I ’d hev bad luck inside of a month, ’n’ I ’ll he gol-swizzled 
ef one a’ my cows did n’t up ’n’ die on me. He ’s th’ 
chap fer ye. Tell ye anythin’ ’bout nothin’ ’n’ nothin’ 
’bout everythin’, jest ’s ye like. I ’ll take ye t’ him. 

G’lang, Kate ! ” and fired with sudden energy and en- 

thusiasm, Mr. Took sent the mare along at a fiying pace. 

^^Ko! Ho! ” exclaimed Koger, trying not to laugh. 

Ko? ” with a puzzled air, from Enherry. 

I have something I want analyzed, to find out what 
sort of stuff it is,” said Roger. 

Hain’t nobody been tryin’ t’ pizen ye, hev they ? ” 
asked Enherry, with a startled look. I read ’bout a 
case like thet in th’ papers onct. Eeller most died from 

drinkin’ well water. Had a green scum on it. Took it 

t’ a perfessor, ’n’ what d’ he s’pose he said ? ” 

What?” 

Paris Green ! G’lang, Kate ! ” 

Oh, this is nothing like that,” said Roger. At least 
I do not believe what I have is poison.” 

And you want jest a ordinary chemist ’n’ not a for- 
tune teller, eh ? ” 

I do.” 

Wa’al,” said Mr. Took, at length, ye come t’ th’ 
right place fere information fer onct in yer life, Roger. 
I know jest th’ feller ye want. He used t’ live out here 
’fore he growed up, got a eddercation, ’n’ become one a’ 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


199 


them chaps what looks through a glass, ’n’ tells ye ’bout 
bugs in th’ drinkin’ water, ’n’ wigglers turnin inter mus- 
quiters. ’IST’ he looks through a thing like a telescope, 
’n’ tells y© ’bout lines, ’n’ angles, ’n’ feet, ’n’ chains, 
’n’ links, ’n’ so on. What d’ ye call them fellers ? ” 

Surveyors,” ventured Roger. 

That ’s it. He ’s a surveyor. Addison V anter is his 
name. He’s one of ’em employed by the city, ’n’ his 
office is in th’ town hall. I ’ll take ye right t’ him ; I 
know him, ’n’ he ’ll fix ye up. G’lang, Kate ! ” 

I did n’t tell the folks I was coming away,” said 
Roger, so I hope we ’ll he back before very late. I 
would n’t like them to he worried on my account.” 

We’ll git hack all right,” answered Mr. Took. ^^’Long 
’bout haf-past eight er nine o’clock. Bert’s folks won’t 
miss ye ’til then, ’specially as hoys is allers traipsin’ off 
sommers er other.” 

I guess nine o’clock will not he too late,” said Roger. 

Would you mind, Mr. Took,” the boy went on, not 
speaking about this trip to people in Cardiff? You see 
I want to surprise my uncle, and I don’t want him to 
know anything about what I am doing. There ’s nothing 
wrong in it, though.” 

Mr. Took promised readily enough, as he knew he 
could trust the hoy, and he did not ask any questions, for 
which Roger was grateful. They were well on their 
journey now, driving along the pleasant valley road in 
the sunshine. It yet lacked considerable of noon, hut 
Roger began to feel hungry, for, in the excitement, he had 


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not eaten mnch breakfast. Mr. Took seemed to know this, 
and with a good-natured smile, he reached under the seat 
and pulled out a pail. 

My wife allers puts this snack up fer me when I go 
t’ th' city,’’ he said. Here, help yerself,” and he ex- 
tended the pail filled with crisp, brown doughnuts and 
some cream cheese. Roger did full justice to Mrs. Took’s 
excellent cooking, and, when he had finished the fifth 
cake he felt much better. Hor had Mr. Took been a whit 
behind him in disposing of the toothsome fried cakes. 

“ They ’re fine,” was Roger’s verdict. 

Allers make me thirsty,” commented Mr. Took, but 
I know where I kin git a drink.” 

He shook the reins, and Kate trotted on. 

Whoa up ! ” shouted Enberry, suddenly pulling the 
mare in. Here we be.” 

Beside the road was a hollowed-out tree trunk, moss 
lined, filled to the edges and running over with clear, 
cool, sparkling water, that flowed and bubbled into the 
trough from a wooden pipe, made from a hollow log, 
which extended back to the spring. There was a dried 
yellow gourd for a dipper, and Mr. Took and Roger drank 
their fill, while Kate stuck her nose deep into the liquid, 
and sucked it up with queer little noises. 

Finest water in th’ state,” said Mr. Took, wiping his 
mouth dry on the back of his hand, finest water in th’ 
state.” 

And Roger agreed with him. 

Wa’al, we ’ll git along I guess,” said Enberry, after 


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201 


a pause, and they made no other stop until they reached 
Syracuse. Mr. Took drove under the sheds back of the 
Candee House, where the Cardiff stage put up. This 
lumbering vehicle had arrived a few minutes before 
them. 

Not so bad,’^ said Mr. Took, glancing at his big silver 
watch. It ’s one o’clock. How we ’ll git some dinner. 
Hello, Porter ! ” he called to the stage driver, who just 
then emerged from the barn. How be ye ? Most got 
in ahead on ye, did n’t I ? ” 

Had t’ make a few extra stops,” explained Mr. 
Amidown. Made me a leetle late,” and, with a nod, he 
passed on. 

How Poger was almost as hungry as if he had not 
eaten the doughnuts, and he wanted his dinner very much. 
But he knew hotels charged for food, even if it was for 
a small boy, and he realized, for the first time, that, in 
his hurry he had come away without any money. So he 
began to wonder how he could pay for a meal, or even 
a half of one, providing they had that kind. He did not 
like to go in with Mr. Took, under the circumstances, 
so he rather hung back, when his friend followed the 
stage driver into the public parlor of the Candee House. 
But Enberry was quick to notice the boy’s diffidence, and, 
rightly guessing the cause, he said: 

I ’m standin’ treat t’-day. Porter. You ’n’ Koger 
here, is invited t’ dine at my expense. ’T ain’t often I 
git a chanst t’ hev company at my hotel, ’n’ when I do 
I make th’ most on it. How, now,” as he saw Eoger 


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hesitating, no excuses, jest come right along. I Ve got 
lots t’ do, ’n’ no time f stand on ceremony. ’Sides, I ’m ’s 
hungry ’s a b’ar ’n’ her four cubs.” 

So there was nothing to do hut accept the invitation, 
and soon all three were sitting down to a plain, but 
bountifully spread table. 

I ’ll take ye t’ thet feller I spoke about, Koger,” said 
Mr. Took, as he began on his second piece of pie. Then 
I ’ll hev t’ leave ye. Be back here by six o’clock, ’s I ’ll 
start then. Can’t do my tradin’ much afore thet. That ’ll 
give us a chanst t’ git a bite a’ supper, ’n’ we kin he in 
Cardiff by nine o’clock. Th’ moon ’s full, ’n’ it ’ll be 
good drivin’.” 

He kin go back ’ith me, ’bout three o’clock,” spoke 
up Mr. Amidown. I ’d like t’ hev him on th’ stage.” 

Eoger thanked his friend for the offer, hut said he 
was not sure he could be through with what he had to 
do in that short time, and so he decided to stick to his 
original plan and go back with Mr. Took. It would be 
more fun, too, he thought, driving home by moonlight. 
The dinner was soon over, and, when Mr. Took had paid 
the bill, he and Koger walked up the main street of 
Syracuse. 

They made their way to the city hall, and Enherry 
soon located his acquaintance. Mr. Vanter was glad to 
see some one from Cardiff, especially Mr. Took, with whom 
he was quite friendly. Roger was introduced. 

He ’s a H’ York city hoy, out on a visit to his uncle, 
a neighbor a’ mine,” explained Enherry. He has a 


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203 


notion he wants t’ see je ’bout suthin’, jest what, I don’t 
know, but he ’ll tell ye. I^^ow I ’ve got t’ go. Eemember, 
Eoger, be at th’ Candee House by six o’clock.” 

I will,” replied the boy, as Mr. Took left. 

How, my young friend, what can I do for you ? ” 
asked Mr. Vanter, pleasantly. 

Koger pulled from his pocket the paper containing the 
mysterious white crystals. He held them toward the 
surveyor. 

What are they ? ” the boy asked. 

Mr. V anter took them in his hand. He smelled of them, 
once, twice. Then, taking a tiny piece of one of the par- 
ticles he touched it on the tip of his tongue. He made 
a wry face. 

Humph ! ” he remarked, and tasted again. It must 
be,” he muttered to himself, as Koger looked anxiously 
on. Then the chemist got a test tube, put some of the 
crystals in it, and poured a little water on them. He 
shook the glass violently, until the white particles had 
all dissolved. Then he brought out several bottles of chem- 
icals, and began his tests. Koger was much interested, 
and, at the conclusion of the experimenting, when Mr. 
Vanter put his materials aside, the boy leaned forward, 
and asked breathlessly : 

What is it ? ” 

^^You have here,” said Mr. Vanter, smiling a little, 
“ a very fine sample of — pure rock salt.” 

Salt ? ” 

Koger’s heart went away down into his shoes. Why, 


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lie thought, should Mr. Kanquist and Mr. Dudley have 
been so elated over a little salt. 

Just ordinary salt, though a very fine grade,” repeated 
the surveyor. 

Only salt,” and there was a world of disappointment 
in Koger’s tone. 

But salt is not to be despised, by any means,” went 
on Mr. Vanter. If it was n’t for the salt wells, Syracuse 
would not be such a fine city as it is. Besides, if there 
was no salt, the people of the whole world would be very 
badly off. Is there something behind all this, Roger ? 
Perhaps if you tell me I may be able to help you more 
than I can now. As it is I am working in the dark.” 

Then I ’ll tell you everything,” said Roger, and he 
did so, from the arrival of the two strangers in Cardiff, 
and his suspicions of them, the manner in which he had 
discovered them drilling the hole, how they sought to keep 
him away from the spring glade, and, finally, his escape 
from Mr. Ranquist that morning, ending with his journey 
to Syracuse. 

^^Hum,” remarked Mr. Vanter at length. Hum.” 
He pursed up his lips, and wrinkled his forehead in deep 
thought as he paced rapidly back and forth in his office. 
Then he clapped his hands together with a resounding 
whack, and cried aloud : 

That ’s it ! By the Great Horn Spoon, but that ’s 
it ! Ho wonder they want to keep it secret.” 

What ? ” asked Roger, Mr. V anter’s excitement infect- 
ing him. What is it ? ” 


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205 


Well,” began the surveyor, cautiously, I would n’t 
want to raise any false hopes, but, Roger, my boy, I think 
you have stumbled across a big discovery, or, rather, you 
have probably done so at the same time these two men 
did. And it ’s a mighty good thing for you and your 
uncle. You say he is greatly in need of money to pay off 
this mortgage. Does Mr. Ranquist or Mr. Dudley know 
about that ? ” 

I ’m afraid they do,” said Roger, thinking of how 
Adrian had incautiously told something of his father’s 
affairs to the engineers that day. 

That ’s bad, that ’s bad,” went on Mr. V anter, half 
to himself. lAow, since they know you are on the track 
of their secret, they ’ll act promptly. Every minute is 
valuable. They may get your uncle to sign an agreement 
to-day promising to sell his land to them, and if he does so, 
it ’s as binding as if he deeded it away, if they choose to 
make him fulfil the contract, as, no doubt, they would do. 
If I had only known of this yesterday. But perhaps we 
can catch them yet.” He looked quickly at his watch. 

But what ’s it all about ? ” asked Roger, who did 
not yet understand what made Mr. Vanter so excited, all 
over a little salt. 

It ’s this,” replied the surveyor. Unless I ’m very 
much mistaken, those men have discovered on your uncle’s 
farm a valuable deposit of rock salt. Of its extent and 
worth I can only guess, but, from the actions of Mr. 
Ranquist, the mine must be a rich one. His object will 
be to secure Mr. Kimball’s land, or that part of it in 


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the spring-glade, before the fact becomes known that there 
is salt under the surface. Thus he can obtain, for the 
price of ordinary farming real estate, property that may 
be worth thousands and thousands of dollars.’’ 

Koger felt his breath come with a gasp. 

And it ’s our business to prevent this,” said Mr. 
Vanter. “ i^ow,” he went on, I ’ll tell you what we ’ll 
do.” 

He seemed to be thinking out a plan, and Hoger waited, 
all impatience. 

You take the stage back to Cardiff,” continued the 
surveyor. I ’ll come on after you with Mr. Took, and 
that will give me time to make some arrangements here. 
How be careful what you do. Don’t tell any one you have 
seen me, and, when I arrive in Cardiff, don’t recognize 
me if you meet me in the road. Above all, hurry. You 
have only just time to catch the stage. When you get 
home, say to your uncle the first thing : ^ Don’t sign any 
papers to sell the spring-glade land for at least a week.’ 
If he wants to know why, tell him, and say you have 
seen me. But, if he has n’t signed, don’t let him. How 
hurry, and good luck go with you.” 

With wildly beating heart, thinking of what might 
happen in the next few hours, Eoger made his way to 
the Candee House, where he found the stage just pulling 
out. 

Hi there ! Mr. Amidown ! Please take me along ! ” 
shouted the boy. 

Oh ! Eh ! Changed yer mind, did ye ? ” said Porter, 


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207 


as he pulled up his team and helped Roger to climb on the 
high seat. Wa’al, I ’m glad t’ hev ye come along. I 
didn’t hev no one t’ ride ’ith me. R'othin’ hut a lot a’ 
weemin passengers this trip. G’lang, Pete ’n’ Jim/’ and 
he flicked the horses lightly. 

Roger thought the ride to Cardiff would never come to an 
end. But, at last, he came in sight of the white church. 
He jumped off the stage at the post-office, and ran all the 
way to his uncle’s house. He burst into the kitchen, where 
he saw Mr. Kimball looking at a paper. 

Per th’ land sakes,” burst out Mrs. Kimball, we 
thought a b’ar had carried ye off, Roger.” 

Uncle Bert ! ” cried the hoy, earnestly, don’t sign 
any papers, agreeing to sell the land near the spring ! ” 
Mr. Kimball gazed slowly over the rims of his spectacles 
at his nephew. 

Wa’al,” he began slowly, I did n’t know ’s ye knew 
anythin’ ’bout this transaction, hut ye ’re a leetle too 
late. I signed an hour ago. Mr. Ranquist brought th’ 
agreement t’ me, ’n’ I must say I think I got a good price. 
Enough t’ pay off th’ mortgage, ’n’ a leetle over.” 

Then you have signed ? ” spoke the hoy, waiting in 
fear for the answer. 

I hev.” 

I ’m too late,” exclaimed Roger, bitterly. They 
got ahead of me, after all.” 


CHAPTEE XXII 


A QUESTION OF LAW 

The sudden entrance of Eogef, his words and manner, 
and his earnestness, created n6 small excitement in the 
Kimball household. Adrian and Clara, who had been in 
the sitting-room, discussing the situation, and rejoicing 
over the sale of the land, by means of which the mortgage 
could be paid, came hurrying into the kitchen as they 
heard their cousin speak. 

Hello, Eoger ! ’’ exclaimed Adrian. I was just 
going out to hunt you up. Where were you ? ’’ 

Out to Syracuse,” answered Eoger, briefly. 

Mr. Kimball folded up the agreement of sale he had 
been reading, and came over to where his nephew stood. 

Eoger, my boy,” he began, what do ye mean ? What 
is all this about, anyhow? Ain’t I got a right t’ sell my 
land ef I want t’ ? ’X’ ain’t two thousand dollars a good 
price fer th’ spring-glade ? ” 

Xo, sir! It is not!” burst out the boy. That ’s 
just it. You ’ve gone and bargained away land worth 
probably twenty times what you have agreed to sell it 
for.” 

What ’s that ? I guess ye don’t know what ye ’re 
talkin’ about, Eoger.” 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


209 


I guess I do/’ said Koger, stoutly, but not forgetting 
the deference due his uncle. Look here ! ” and he held 
out a few of the white crystals. 

What ’s them ? ” asked Mr. Kimball. 

Kock salt.” 

^^Rock salt. Wa’al, what of it? There’s lots of it, 
out t’ Syracuse.” 

And there ’s lots of it on that land you ’ve agreed to 
sell,” exclaimed Roger. That ’s what I went to the city 
for. That ’s what I ’ve been following Mr. Ranquist and 
Mr. Dudley for. Uncle Bert, your farm, or part of it, 
anyhow, is right over a salt mine. I know this, though I 
can’t say how big the mine is. But a man who knows 
something about such things believes it will be worth lots 
of money. That ’s why I tried to hurry home, to prevent 
you from signing the property away.” 

Oh ! Why did n’t ye wait, Bert ? ” said Mrs. Kimball, 
in a sorrowful voice. 

Wa’al,” spoke Mr. Kimball, in rather a husky tone, 
I s’pose I ought t’ hev, but how ’d I know there was 
salt on my land ? There ain’t never been no evidences of 
it. How d’ ye know there is ? ” turning suddenly to Roger. 

Because,” answered the boy, earnestly, I saw Mr. 
Ranquist and Mr. Dudley drilling a hole near the spring. 
I saw them pull up something on the end of a rod, from 
deep down under the earth. This morning I lowered a 
weight on a string down the hole, and these white crystals 
stuck to the wax on the end of the lead. Mr. Ranquist saw 
me, and he chased me, but I beat him running. Then I 

14 


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went to a man in Syracuse. Enberry Took gave me a 
ride out. The man told m© what this stuff was, and 
wanted me to warn you not to agree to sell.’’ 

Then Roger related the whole story to his uncle and the 
rest of the family, just as he had told Mr. Vanter. When 
he had finished a silence fell on the little group in the 
farmhouse kitchen. 

Humph!” ejaculated Mr. Kimball, at length. I 
guess th’ boy ’s right. I wonder I did n’t smell a rat when 
this feller Ranquist come so hot arter my land, when 
there ’s plenty other t’ be bed in Cardiff. I never sus- 
picioned nothin’. He offered me one thousand dollars, ’n’ 
I says make it two thousand, so ’s I could pay off th’ 
mortgage.” 

Did he do it ? ” asked Roger. 

Hever hesitated a minute,” went on Mr. Kimball. 

Agreed to it right away. ’K’ then he hed me go up t’ 
Squire Bimmer’s office, ’n’ sign th’ agreement. Paid me 
five hundred dollars down,” and Mr. Kimball drew out 
a crisp bank-note, and gazed rather sorrowfully at it. 

He said he ’d pay th’ balance ’s soon ’s we could draw 
th’ deed, t’-morrow er next day, but he said th’ agreement 
were ’s bindin’ ’s ef he hed a deed.” 

I guess it is,” said Roger, remembering what Mr. 
Yanter had told him. 

Plowshares ’n’ hoe handles, but why did n’t I wait ! ” 
lamented Mr. Kimball. Though how in th’ name a’ th’ 
sacred cat was I t’ know there were salt on th’ land. My ! 
My ! But I guess I ’ve made a bad mistake.” 


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211 


So, instead of being glad because the land was sold, 
Mr. Kimball, and all the family, were greatly downcast 
after they had listened to Roger’s story. And he, too, 
took very much to heart the disappointment of his uncle. 
If he had only acted a day sooner, all this trouble would 
have been avoided. But it was too late for regrets now, 
and the only thing to do, was to make the best of it, the 
boy thought. Yet it was very hard to see valuable land 
sold for such a small sum, particularly when his uncle 
needed money so badly. There was just a faint hope in 
Roger’s heart, that perhaps Mr. Vanter might be able to 
suggest a way out of the difficulty. But the hope was so 
faint that he hardly dared speak of it. He could only 
wait until the promised arrival of the surveyor, and see 
what would come of it. 

Troubled dreams disturbed the usually quiet slumbers 
of more than one member of the Kimball home that night. 
Roger’s uncle was so restless, tossing to and fro on the bed, 
and thinking of his lost opportunity, that he was glad 
when morning came, so he could get up and go to work. 
The others, also, thought too much of what had happened 
to sleep well. 

After the chores were done up Mr. Kimball paid a 
visit to the spring glade. To his eyes, not experienced 
in looking for signs of mineral wealth, there were no 
indications of a salt mine beneath the surface, and he felt 
himself almost wishing such a thing could not be true. But 
he could scarcely doubt it, after what had occurred. With 
a heavy heart he took up the duties of the day. 


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Come on, Roger,” called Adrian, as soon as lie had 
done his part of the morning’s work about the farm, 
let ’s go up by the spring, and see where the salt mine is. 
Cracky ! I wish I ’d been along when you went fishing 
on dry land. I ’ll bet I ’d fired a stone at Ranquist.” 

I wish you had been along,” said Roger. Your 
father would not have signed then. But I thought I was 
acting for the best.” 

Of course you did. It is n’t your fault,” replied 
Adrian. 

The two boys walked up the hill, and were soon at 
the place. On the way Roger was wondering whether Mr. 
Vanter had come out. He remembered his instructions, 
to pretend not to recognize the surveyor. As the lads 
approached the spring they could hear through the trees, 
the noise of men digging, and voices in conversation. The 
click of spades and shovels was plainly audible. 

“ They ’re at it already ! ” exclaimed Adrian. Hurry 
up, and let ’s see ’em get the salt out.” 

I guess they won’t reach it very soon,” said Roger. 
It ’s about twenty-five feet under the surface.” 

The hoys quickened their steps, and soon came to the 
open glade. Three men were busy at work, two of them 
laborers, while the third was a familiar figure to Roger, 
who gave a start of surprise as he recognized Mr. Vanter 
directing operations. But even in the intense excitement 
of the moment, Roger did not forget his promise, and he 
was prepared to show by no sign that he had ever seen 
the surveyor before. 


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213 


Why, there ’s a new man,” said Adrian, as he caught 
sight of Mr. V anter. I thought, at first, it was Mr. 
Dudley or Mr. Ranquist, but it is n’t. I wonder who he 
is. Anyhow, let ’s see what they are doing.” 

The cousins watched the laborers with great interest. 
Mr. Van ter glanced up and saw Koger, but, though he 
gave just the faintest smile, to show he knew his young 
friend, he made no motion to indicate that the order 
of last night was not to he obeyed, so Eoger kept 
silent. 

The two laborers were digging a sort of inclined shaft, 
sinking it about the place where Mr. Ranquist had drilled 
the small hole. Their picks and shovels made the brown 
dirt fly, and Mr. Vanter urged them on, as though they 
were working against time. The hoys watched for per- 
haps ten minutes, when there came a sound, as if some one 
was approaching. The next instant Mr. Dudley and Mr. 
Eanquist appeared on the scene. Roger started in surprise, 
wondering what would happen now, but Mr. Vanter gave 
no indication that he saw the engineers, and the laborers 
kept on digging. 

Well,” said Mr. Ranquist, at length, I must say 
I consider this a rather high-handed proceeding. By what 
right, sir, are you working on my property? Do you 
know,” addressing Mr. V anter, that you and your men 
are trespassing, and are liable to arrest ? ” 

Since when have you owned this land ? ” asked the 
surveyor, coolly. “ This belongs to Bert Kimball, a friend 
of mine, and — ” 


214 


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It does n’t belong to him any more,” broke in Mr. 
Ranquist. 

Since when bas he ceased to own it ? ” 

Well, I don’t know as that is any of your affair, but 
I ’ll tell you. Since yesterday afternoon Mr. Kimball 
ceased to be the owner, when he signed an agreement to 
sell this piece to the Universal Salt Company.” 

Mr. Yanter started, and looked at Roger, who sorrow- 
fully nodded in confirmation of what the engineer had 
said. 

There ’s his son ; ask him,” went on Mr. Ranquist, 
pointing to Adrian. 

I guess it ’s true,” said the boy, in response to Mr. 
Yanter’s look. But,” he added, my father would 
never have agreed to sell it if he had known there was 
salt on it.” 

I would imagine not,” said Mr. Yanter, softly, to 
himself. 

That was his lookout, not mine,” came from Mr. 
Ranquist. Turning to Mr. Yanter, he added: I advise 
you to leave here, my friend. I ’ll overlook the trespass 
for once, but don’t let it happen again,” and he frowned 
in a significant manner. 

Suppose I refuse to go until you prove to me that 
you own this land, or have a legal right, by virtue of an 
agreement, to order me off,” asked Mr. Yanter. 

Then I ’m afraid there ’ll be an unpleasant scene,” 
exclaimed Mr. Ranquist, in a harsh voice, and with a 
sudden motion he drew a revolver, and aimed it full at 


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215 


the surveyor. I don’t want to resort to forceful meas- 
ures/’ he went on, hut I ’ll have no hesitation in using 
this if you remain here three minutes longer.” He drew 
out his watch. 

You needn’t worry,” spoke up Mr. Vanter, calmly. 

I ’m not afraid of that popgun, for I ’ve faced bigger 
ones than that, but at present you seem to have the law 
on your side. However, Mr. Ranquist, we may meet 
again, when perhaps the shoe will he on the other foot. 
I ’ll bid you good-morning,” and, bowing politely, with 
not a trace of anger in his face, Mr. Vanter walked slowly 
down the hill, followed by the two laborers. Roger and 
Adrian remained behind for a minute or so. 

I guess I can get along without you two hoys,” re- 
marked Mr. Ranquist, in strange contrast to his pleasant 
tones of a few days before. And as for you. Master 
Roger, if I catch you on this land after to-day, it won’t 
be well for you. Mind what I say, and keep off. I ’ll 
see your father, Adrian, and have him keep you away 
also.” 

You need n’t trouble yourself,” said Adrian, quickly. 
He was as angry as ever a boy could be. We don’t have 
any great hankering to get on your land, which you had 
to cheat to get control of,” and with' this parting shot 
Adrian and Roger made their way in the direction taken 
by Mr. Vanter. They caught up to him before he had 
gone very far, and though Roger, in obedience to his 
instructions, was not going to speak, the surveyor addressed 
him. 


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Well, Eoger,” lie said, I see you were too late. 
Your uncle mus^ have signed before you got home last 
night.” 

He had,” answered the hoy. He was reading the 
agreement when I got in. I think he said he is to sign 
the deed to-morrow.” 

“ Too bad,” remarked Mr. Vanter, sympathetically, 
but I suppose it could nT be helped. I think I ’ll go 
down and see Mr. Kimball, anyhow. He used to know 
me when I was a Cardiff boy. I suppose,” turning to 
Adrian, this is his son ? ” 

Adrian nodded pleasantly, and while the party ad- 
vanced Roger told his cousin in a low tone who Mr. Vanter 
was, and how he had met him. At the foot of the hill 
the surveyor dismissed his laborers and went on with the 
boys. 

I did n’t have a chance to do much in the way of 
examining the land,” said Mr. V anter to Roger. I 
would have dug deeper if I had n’t been interrupted. 
But from what I saw, and the way Ranquist acted, I am 
pretty sure the salt deposit is a large one, and valuable. 
I wish, for Mr. Kimball’s sake, I had known this two days 
ago.” 

When the three reached the house, they found Mr. 
Kimball reading a letter. Roger introduced Mr. Vanter, 
and the farmer at once recalled the man who, as a young- 
ster, used to play about the village streets. 

I ain’t forgot ye,’’ he said, clapping Mr. Vanter 
heartily on the back. I remember onct when I ketched 


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217 


ye in my melon patch,” and he laughed at the recollection, 
Mr. Vanter joining in. 

I have even better cause than you have not to forget 
that little incident,” responded the surveyor, as he rubbed 
the hack of his legs reflectively. 

I reckon I switched ye good ’n’ proper,” commented 
Mr. Kimball, a smile playing about the corners of his 
mouth. 

I hear you have been selling a salt mine just as if it 
was ordinary pasture land,” said Mr. Vanter, to change 
the subject. 

Why, how ’d ye know thet ? ” asked Mr. Kimball, in 
a wondering tone. I calalated nobody — Oh ! You ’re 
th’ feller Roger went to see in Syracuse,” he cried sud- 
denly. I understand now. Wa’al, it ain’t th’ boy’s 
fault. He made a noble try. I took up Ranquist’s offer 
too quick, thet ’s th’ hull trouble. But I needed th’ money 
bad. In fact, here ’s a letter now, tollin’ me thet onless 
I raise th’ cash by th’ end a’ th’ week, th’ mortgage ’ll be 
foreclosed, ’n’ I ’ll lose th’ farm. By soilin’ th’ spring- 
glade when I did, I ’ve got nuff t’ make th’ payment. Ha’f 
a loaf ’s better ’n’ no bread, ye know. But I s’pose I ought 
t’ hev waited.” 

When do you sign the deed ? ” asked Mr. Y anter. 

I understand you have given a binding agreement to 
sell, so it ’s no use trying to get out of that.” 

WTiy, me ’n’ Mrs. Kimball are t’ put our signatures 
on th’ deed t’-morrow,” replied the farmer, ’n’ I git 
th’ balance a’ th’ two thousand dollars then. Handy ’nuff 


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it ’ll be, too, but I wish now it were more. I ’ll be pretty 
heavily in debt, even arter I pay off th’ mortgage. Yes, 
sir, me ’n’ mother here signs t’-morrow,” and he motioned 
to his wife who had come to the door. 

At the mention of Mrs. Kimball’s name in connection 
with signing the deed, Mr. Vanter gave a start of surprise. 
He seemed to have an idea that proved a pleasant thought, 
for he rubbed his hands together, and began pacing up 
and down the room, as he had done when Roger saw him 
the first time, in the Syracuse office. 

Tell me,” said Mr. Vanter, coming toward Mr. 
Kimball, and speaking very earnestly, did Mrs. Kimball 
sign the agreement ? ” 

Why, no, she did n’t, come t’ think on ’t,” replied the 
farmer, scratching his head. She were out when Mr. 
Ranquist brought th’ paper. I guess she ’d gone over t’ 
Mrs. Took’s. It were only a matter a’ form, havin’ her 
sign, Ranquist said, ’n’ he mentioned she could sign th’ 
deed. ’K’ so, he bein’ in a hurry, he left ’fore she got 
back. So th’ agreement ’s got only my name on ’t.” 

If you don’t mind, I ’d like to take a look at that 
agreement,” said Mr. Vanter, smiling as though something 
pleased him. 

Wa’al, I guess ye kin hev it,” remarked Mr. Kimball. 

’Tain’t much use t’ me, seein’ ’s how Ranquist has a copy. 
But what in th’ name a’ th’ Cardiff giant d ’ye want 
it fer?” 

To keep Mrs. Kimball from signing it by mistake,” 
replied Mr. Vanter. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


219 


How ’s thet ? Is there any hope thet I won^t hev 
t’ deed away thet land ? ” asked Mr. Kimball, in great 
excitement. 

Oh, no ; I guess you ^11 have t’ sign the deed, as you 
have agreed to,” was the answer. 

What then?” 

Well,” said the surveyor slowly, I may think, of 
a plan to outwit Mr. Kanquist yet. Put on your hat and 
coat, and we ’ll go to Squire Bimmer’s office.” 

“ Hurrah! ” shouted Boger, gaily, as he saw his uncle 
and Mr. V anter leave the house. Hurrah ! Maybe it 
will come out right after all ! ” 

But Mrs. Kimball, who had heard the talk, did not see 
how, and she was in no happy frame of mind, over the 
prospect of selling the valuable land for such a small sum. 


CHAPTEK XXIII 


THE PLOTTERS ROILED 

The news of salt being discovered on Mr. KimbalPs farm 
soon became known all over Cardiff. People rubbed their 
eyes, and wondered if something of the kind wouldn’t 
happen on their land. Several began to dig in their gar- 
dens and back-yards, others on their hillsides, while a 
number hurried to the spring-glade to see what a salt 
mine looked like. These persons were much disappointed, 
however, as the only thing they saw was what digging 
Mr. Yanter’s men had done. Mr. Eanquist was on guard, 
also, and warned all curious ones away. 

The deed was to be signed at ten o’clock the next 
day, and, from the time Mr. Yanter took Mr. Kimball 
off with him, until that night, the two spent many busy 
hours. There was much looking over of legal books and 
records, and a number of consultations in Squire Simmer’s 
ojBSce. Toward the close of the day, that had been so full 
of exciting incidents, Mr. Kimball seemed a little more 
cheerful. 

I think,” said Mr. Yanter, as he and the farmer left 
the squire’s house, that we ’ll have a little surprise for 
Mr. Eanquist to-morrow.” 


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221 


I ’m sure I hope it ’ll come out right,” remarked 
Mr. Kimball. 

Mr. Vanter started off toward the Pine Tree Inn. 

Whar ye goin’ ? ” demanded Mr. Kimball. 

Why I thought I ’d put up at the tavern, just as I 
did last night,” rejoined Mr. Vanter. 

Kot much, ye won’t,” interposed Mr. Kimball. I 
ain’t goin’ t’ hev a friend a’ mine eatin’ th’ kind a fodder 
ye ’ll find up at th’ Pine Tree. Ye ’re cornin’ home ’ith 
me. I guess we ’ll be able t’ give ye suthin’ t’ eat, ’n’ a 
place t’ sleep.” 

Well, if you insist,” agreed Mr. Vanter, to whom the 
prospect of another night in the tavern, under the same 
roof with Mr. Kanquist and Mr. Dudley, was not a pleas- 
ant one. So he and Mr. Kimball went back to the big, 
comfortable farmhouse, where a smoking-hot supper was 
waiting for them. And Mr. Vanter did full justice to the 
tender chicken, fried crisp in sweet butter, the salt-rising 
bread, the buckwheat honey, the preserved plums, the gen- 
erously frosted fruit and chocolate cakes, and a lot besides. 

It ’s the best meal I ’ve had in a year,” he told the 
delighted Mrs. Kimball, while Clara blushed at the praise 
bestowed on her cakes. 

Every one was up early next morning, and, soon after 
breakfast. Squire Dimmer came along, hearing his seal as 
Commissioner of Deeds, his law books, and various legal 
papers. 

I don’t calalate I ’ll hev much need a’ this,” said the 
squire^ indicating his seal. 


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hope not/’ replied Mr. Vanter. But we can’t 
tell. It all depends on Mrs. Kimball,” and he smiled a 
little as he said this. 

.Wa’al I guess I kin make out t’ act jest ’s ye told me 
to,” remarked that lady. Ye need n’t be afraid a’ me 
goin’ back on ye.” 

Ko danger,” chuckled Mr. Kimball. 

It was about ten o’clock, when Mr. Kanquist, accom- 
panied by Mr. Dudley and a lawyer, appeared at the farm- 
house. They were led into the parlor, a table was cleared, 
and Mr. Vanter, Mr. Kimball, and Squire Dimmer drew 
up close to it. Mr. Ranquist glared at Mr. Vanter, and 
smiled in an easy sort of fashion, as though he already had 
the property in his possession. He slowly drew from his 
yalise a bundle of bank-bills. 

There ’s fifteen hundred dollars in that package,” he 
said, addressing no one in particular. 

I suppose everything is in readiness,” said Mr. Dudley 
to his lawyer. Here is the agreement Mr. Kimball has 
signed. All that is necessary now is for him to put his 
name on the deed.” 

’K’ I ’m ready to do thet,” spoke up the farmer. 
Roger and Adrian, who had entered the room, wondered 
at his easy compliance. They had expected him to refuse, 
and looked to see Mr. Ranquist compel him, by means of 
the agreement. Pens and ink were ready, and, in a 
few seconds Mr. Kimball had affixed his signature to the 
deed, by the terms of which he conveyed a certain tract of 
land, described very carefully, to the Universal Salt 


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223 


Company, to have and to hold, and so on, with a lot of 
legal terms. 

Now,” remarked the lawyer for the two engineers, 
when he had blotted Mr. KimbalFs name, as soon as 
Mrs. Kimball has signed you will get the fifteen hundred 
dollars.” 

Oh, yes, ye want Mrs. Kimball now,” said her hus- 
band, smiling a bit, and not at all like a man who has 
been cheated into selling a valuable salt mine for a small 
sum. Oh, yes, Mrs. Kimball. Wait; I’ll call her. 
Here, mother,” he said, going to the door, “ come in. 
We need ye fer a minute.” 

Mrs. Kimball entered as her husband went out. She 
was a little excited over the part she was to play. 

Sign right there, please,” said the lawyer, pointing to 
the space below Mr. Kimball’s name, and seeing to it, 
as the law requires, that the husband was not present 
when the wife signed the deed. 

Mrs. Kimball did not seem to understand. She made 
no motion to pick up the pen. The lawyer waited expect- 
antly, and then said: 

Just sign your name, will you, please ? ” 

No, sir,” replied Mrs. Kimball, firmly, I won’t 
sign. I ’ve made up my mind not to put my name to this 
deed, ’n’ I ain’t agoin’ to.” 

What ? ” exclaimed the lawyer. 

What ? ” cried Mr. Eanquist. 

What ? ” almost shouted Mr. Dudley. 

Then all three said, What! ” in a chorus. 


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ISTo, sir ! ’’ repeated Mrs. Kimball, I ’m not agoin’ t’ 
sign, ’n’ thet ’s th’ end on ’t,” and she shut her lips 
firmly. 

Why this is ridiculous. I never heard of such a 
thing,” began the lawyer. Why, my dear Mrs. Kimball, 
your husband can’t convey this property unless you sign 
the deed also. That is the law. Husband and wife must 
both sign the deed. This puts us in a pretty predicament ! ” 

I thought it would,” said Mr. Vanter, softly; and at 
the words, Mr. Kanquist turned angrily toward him. 

Oh, so you Ve been meddling,” the engineer remarked, 
with a sneer. 

^^If you call it that,” rejoined Mr. Vanter coolly. 

Can’t you induce your wife to sign ? ” asked the law- 
yer of Mr. Kimball. 

The grizzled farmer, who had returned, smiled good 
naturedly. 

I don’t like t’ be disobligin’,” he said, slowly, but 
from long experience I know thet whenever Mrs. Kimball 
makes up her mind not t’ do a thing, she won’t do it. 
I ’ve tried her before, ’n’ I know. Ef she says she won’t 
sign, there ’s no use a’ me, er any one else tryin’ t’ make 
her,” and Mr. Kimball sat down. 

And I suppose I hardly need point out,” interposed 
Mr. Vanter, that, without the consent of Mrs. Kimball 
her husband cannot legally sell that property. I rather 
guess the Universal Salt Company will have to get along 
without the spring-glade, Mr. Kanquist. What do you 
think of the situation now ? ” 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 225 

Mr. Ranquist, without replying, turned angrily to his 
lawyer. 

I ’m afraid he ’s right,’’ assented the legal repre- 
sentative of the foiled plotters. The law requires the 
unenforced consent of the wife if the husband sells any 
of his property. This is a woman’s dower right, and 
amounts to a third interest in her husband’s real estate. 
We can’t get this land unless Mrs. Kimball signs the deed, 
and she — ” 

She ’s not goin’ t’ sign, ’n’ ye need n’t try t’ make 
her,” interrupted that lady. I guess that ’ll put a spoke 
in yer wheel,” she added as she swept out of the room. 

I rather think th’ deal ’s off, gentlemen,” said Mr. 
Kimball as he laid a five hundred dollar bill with the other 
money. I ’m sorry, but it can’t be helped. Curi’s how 
obstinate some womenfolks be,” and he chuckled loudly. 

That ’s yer money back.” 

For a little while Mr. Ranquist looked very angry and 
disappointed. 

I think you are all making a mistake,” he said. We 
made a fair bargain for the land, and gave you just what 
you asked. There may be salt on it, and, then, there may 
not be. If there is, it may not be that there will be enough 
to make it pay. But we are willing to take the risk. How- 
ever, if you think you should have more money, why 
perhaps five hundred dollars additional — ” 

Mr. Kimball made a gesture of dissent. 

Or say one thousand more,” said Mr. Ranquist, eagerly. 

I reckon we won’t do any tradin’ t’-day,” broke in Mr, 

15 


226 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


Kimball. I calalate I’ll farm thet salt mine myself. 
I guess I kin make out t’ dig ’nuff t’ make it pay.” 

All right, suit yourself,” came from Mr. Kanquist, 
as if he was ready to give up. He turned to the lawyer, 
who handed him a paper. 

I ’m sorry,” said the engineer, and his lips showed 
a cruel smile, that indicated just the opposite feeling, 
I ’m sorry, but I ’m afraid I ’ll be obliged to ask Mr. 
Kimball to pay olf this mortgage. It is some time over- 
due, and has been assigned to us. I presume you have 
the money handy, Mr. Kimball, otherwise we shall at once 
begin action to foreclose, and take the farm from you. In 
the meantime we shall, as a matter of precaution, retain 
control of that part of the land known as the spring-glade.” 

Wh — What ? ” stammered poor Mr. Kimball, for the 
demand of Mr. Kanquist came like a stab in the back. 
Why — why, I thought — ” 

Kever mind what you thought,” interrupted Mr. Kan- 
quist. The question is, have you the cash to pay off this 
mortgage with ? ” and his tone held a threat. 

K-no, sir — I can’t say — wa’al, I ain’t got it, ’n’ 
thet ’s th’ ” 

Oh, yes, he has it all right,” broke in Mr. Vanter. 
Here is the money ! ” 

He threw a roll of crisp bills on the table. 

I think you ’ll find the amount correct,” he went on, 
turning to Mr. Kanquist, who showed every sign of deep 
chagrin. “ I rather guess I ’ve beaten you at your own 
game,” proceeded the surveyor. I was prepared for this 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


22T 


little move on your part. ISTow, if you will kindly cancel 
the mortgage I guess that will be about all to-day.’’ 

There was nothing for Mr. Ranquist to do, but accept 
the offer, and take the money. He would much have pre- 
ferred foreclosing the mortgage, since then he would be 
in possession of the farm and the valuable salt mine. 

How — how ’s this ? ” began Mr. Kimball brokenly. 

I did n’t know — ” 

That ’s enough, now,” said Mr. Yanter kindly. “ I ’m 
attending to this for you. The mine on your land will bo 
worked by the Pipe Line Salt Company, and not by the 
Universal,” he said to Mr. Ranquist. Still, if you care 
to make us an offer, we may be willing to consider it. 
And, now, let me bid you good day.” 

Silently receipting for the money, and cancelling the 
mortgage, Mr. Ranquist, followed by Mr. Dudley and the 
lawyer, left the room, neither one speaking. 

Hurrah ! ” cried Adrian, as the door closed on the 
plotters, we beat ’em, Roger. Hurrah ! ” 

And it ’s all due to Roger, here,” said Mr. Yanter as 
he shook hands heartily with the boy. If he had n’t 
discovered the white crystals, and called to see me, these 
men would now be in possession of the salt mine. As it 
is, Mr. Kimball still owns it.” 

But ye paid th’ mortgage,” insisted the farmer, to 
whom the whole transaction was still much of a mystery. 

That entitles ye t’ th’ farm, don’t it ? ” 

You may look upon that as a loan from me,” said 
Mr. Yanter. A sort of investment. But we are all still 


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pretty mucli in the dark. Suppose there is salt in such 
a small quantity that it will not pay to mine it ? ’’ 

This idea made every one feel quite anxious. 

We 11 soon find out, however,” went on the surveyor, 
for I ’m going to sink a shaft to-morrow. Until then we 
shall have to be patient.” 


CHAPTER XXIV 


DIGGING FOR SALT 

Early the next morning Mr. Vanter went to the spring- 
glade, and started the two men at work, sinking the shaft, 
which they had to abandon so suddenly the day before. 
The surveyor decided on going straight down, instead of 
in at a slant, which he had at first believed best. Roger 
and Adrian watched the operations with interest, as did 
a throng of people, who were not disturbed as they gath- 
ered about the spot. The good news had gone all over 
Cardiff, and there was not a person, excepting the plotters, 
but what rejoiced at Mr. Kimball’s fortune in saving his 
land. 

The digging progressed slowly, as only a small shaft was 
to be sunk, and but one man could work in it at a time. 
For three anxious days the labor went on, the hole in the 
ground becoming deeper and deeper. The man whose turn 
it was to go into the excavation was below the level of the 
surface now. Mr. Kimball, and all his family, as well as 
the neighbors, were wondering whether or not salt would 
be struck in sufficient quantities to make the venture pay. 
If not, it would have been better had Mr. Kimball ac- 
cepted the offer of Mr. Ranquist. Two days more of dig- 
ging would tell the story. And those two days were filled 


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with anxious uneasiness on the part of all in the farm- 
house. The work went on early and late, and Mr. Kimball 
neglected all but the most necessary of his duties to watch 
the progress. 

The sinking of the shaft was done in rather a primitive 
fashion. A hole, almost like that dug for a well, was 
started, and, when the bottom got so far below the surface 
that the earth could no longer be tossed out, the men 
rigged up a windlass and rope, on the end of which was 
a large bucket, into which the dirt was placed to be hauled 
up and dumped. 

It happened on Wednesday, just a week after the day 
when the farm was saved, that the men had dug down 
about thirty feet. Toward the close of the afternoon Roger 
and Adrian, who were constantly at the mine, had strolled 
away, and were up in the woods, looking for signs of foxes, 
which were plentiful that year. They were sitting on a 
log, idly tossing stones at an old stump, when Adrian sud- 
denly called: ^^Hark!’^ 

They both listened intently. A faint cry came to them. 

Sounds like some one hollering,” said Roger. 

It is ! ” exclaimed Adrian. “ And it ’s down by the 
salt mine. Maybe they ’ve struck the white crystals. Let ’s 
hurry up and see.” 

Together they started off. As they came nearer the 
sounds were louder, and then, they seemed to be, not shouts 
of delight at the discovery of something long wished for, 
hut, rather, cries of distress. 

Some one ’s hurt ! ” said Roger, increasing his pace. 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


231 


The hoys had reached the edge of the spring-glade now, 
and could see the mouth of the shaft. But there was no 
one near it, not even the usual crowd of curious people, 
Mr. Vanter and Mr. Kimball had, for the time being, gone 
away, so the scene was deserted. Keither of the two work- 
men, one of whom should have been at the windlass, was 
to be noticed. 

There ’s been an accident ! ’’ exclaimed Adrian. 

guess the man’s fallen down the shaft,” said 
Roger, referring to the missing laborer. That ’s it,” 
he added excitedly. They ’re both down there ! Hear 
’em calling ? ” 

And, sure enough, that was where the cries for help 
came from. The boys ran and peered down into the depths 
of the hole. Kor a moment, because of the darkness, they 
could make out nothing. Then, as their eyes became used 
to the blackness, they observed, dimly, two figures, at the 
bottom of the deep excavation. And the figures were those 
of the two workmen, who seemed to be struggling in des- 
peration. Every now and then would come a terrified cry 
from one of them: 

^^Help! Help! Help!” 

What shall we do ? ” shouted Adrian, almost trembling 
in the excitement. 

We must get them out! ” exclaimed Roger. “Let’s 
call to them, to let ’em know we ’re on hand.” 

“ Hello ! Hello ! ” yelled Adrian down the shaft. 
“ Hello ! What ’s the matter ? What shall we do to help 
you ? ” 


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Wind up — the — rope ! Turn the — windlass ! 
came faintly from below. 

That ’s it ! ” cried Roger, as he seized the crank, 
‘^Turn, Ade! Turn!’^ 

The two boys worked the windlass, straining in des- 
peration. It taxed their strength to the utmost, for the 
weight at the other end of the rope was very heavy. Roger 
was the first to realize that, in their fear, both men were 
clinging to the cable, and trying to be brought to the sur- 
face at the same time. 

Stop turning,’’ said Roger to Adrian. Then the boys 
fastened the windlass by the catch at the side of the cog 
wheel, put there for the purpose. Next, Roger leaned 
over and shouted down: 

“ One on the rope at a time! We can’t haul you both 
up together ! ” 

All right ! ” came the answer from the black depths. 

Jim ’ll try it first.” 

There was a perceptible slacking of the rope, and then 
Roger and Adrian began winding up the windlass again. 
This time it was much easier to turn the handle. As the 
strands of the cable coiled over the drum, foot by foot, they 
brought up, into the light of day, first the head, then the 
body of one of the laborers. His face showed the terror he 
felt, and the boys noticed, with great surprise, that he was 
dripping wet. 

Hurry ! ” called Jim. Tom ’s down there yet. 
Lower the rope.” 

He unfastened it, from where he had looped it beneath 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


238 


his arms, and tossed it dangling into the hole. It ran out 
quickly over the drum. There came a cry from below to 
indicate that Tom had the end. Then, giving him time to 
adjust it, Jim began to turn quickly, replacing the hoys, 
and soon the other workman was brought up. He too was 
soaking wet. 

I tell you, that was a narrow squeak ! ’’ exclaimed Tom, 
removing the rope. 

You ’re right,” chimed in Jim. “ As close as I ever 
want.” 

Did you fall in a well ? ” asked Roger, wondering why 
the men were so damp. 

Indeed we did, my hoy,” answered Tom. And it 
was a salt well, of the saltiest water I ever tasted. Pah ! 
My mouth is full of it yet.” 

“ Then there is n’t any salt mine down there,” went on 
Roger in a disappointed tone, his interest in that matter 
overshadowing, for a moment, his joy at having helped 
save the men. 

Hary a hit of a salt mine,” said Tom. But I ’ll back 
the salt lake down there, against most anything outside of 
Utah. Hey, Jim?” 

That ’s right,” assented his companion, wiping the salt 
water from his eyes. 

“ How did it happen ? ” asked Adrian. 

How you ’re talkin’,” said Tom. We were diggin’ 
away, or rather I was, and Jim was up above. I ’d got 
about as deep as where Mr. Yanter said we ought to strike 
rock salt, and I was givin’ some hearty blows with my pick, 


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when, all on a sudden, the pick goes through with a pop, 
jest like when you stick a pin in one of them red balloons 
you buy at the circus. First thing I knew I was up to my 
neck in water saltier ’n’ any ever tasted. Wow ! But 
I did n’t know what I ’d struck, the Atlantic Ocean or the 
Dead Sea.” 

I guess it was a little of both,” interposed Jim. 

Eight you are, Jim. Well, as it happened I landed 
right on a ledge of rock, or I might have gone on clean 
through to China,” resumed Tom. As soon as I got my 
wind I sung out to Jim. All the while I was holdin’ on 
to a projectin’ stone in the side of the shaft. When I yelled 
to Jim I wanted him to lower the rope to me. But he got 
excited, or somethin’, and, after he had unwound it, and 
lowered it, he shinned down it himself, hand over hand. 
Then before he could stop himself he was in the water 
with me, both of us as wet as drowned rats, at the bottom 
of a shaft thirty feet deep. We could just make out to 
find room on the narrow ledge, or we ’d both been in the 
bottomless pit. We tried to climb up the rope, but, not bein’ 
sailors or circus fellows, we did n’t make out worth a cent. 
So we both began to yell as hard as we could, and — well, 
you know the rest. My ! Oh ! But it ’s glad we are that 
you boys came along when you did, or we ’d both be fairly 
pickled away in brine for the winter. How about it, 
Jim?” 

That ’s what,” said Jim, heartily, wringing about a 
quart of salt water from his coat. 

But I can’t understand how the brine got down there,” 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


235 


said Roger. Mr. Vanter expected to strike rock salt, 
and the white crystals I brought up were certainly solid 
enough. I can’t see why there should be salt water, unless 
there ’s a spring of fresh water that has become brine 
from dissolving the rock salt. I must hurry to tell Mr. 
Vanter.” 

The hoys and men went toward the farmhouse together. 
On the way they met Mr. V anter, who was much surprised 
when he heard what had happened. He hurried to the mine 
to make sure of it. The men went hack with him, not 
minding the wetting, for the day was warm. Though they 
tried to deter him, Mr. Vanter insisted on being lowered 
down the shaft. The hoys, who had also come back, were 
a little apprehensive, when they saw their friend the sur- 
veyor disappear down the black hole, but they were soon 
reassured when they heard his cheery voice shouting from 
the depths that he was all right, and that he had found a 
place to stand. In a few minutes he signalled to he drawn 
up, and, when he reached the surface he looked delighted, 
instead of disappointed, as the hoys had expected. 

Is the salt mine a failure ? ” asked Roger, anxiously. 

The salt mine is,” said Mr. Vanter. 

Oh, dear ! ” exclaimed Roger and Adrian together. 

But the salt spring is the biggest kind of a success,” 
added Mr. Vanter, smiling. In fact, we’ve struck the 
same conditions that exist beneath the city of Syracuse. 
Instead of mining for salt we shall have to pump for it, 
which is cheaper and better. Boys, I can see big things in 
this for you. A pipe line can be run out to Syracuse, and 


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transportation charges will be saved. Tom, that last pick 
stroke of yours was a mighty lucky one.’’ 

I did n’t think so at the time,” remarked Tom, as he 
saw the white salt crystals appearing on his clothes, now 
that the sun was evaporating the water. 

Hurrah for the Kimball Salt Spring ! ” cried Adrian, 
throwing his hat high in the air, and Roger joined in 
heartily, turning a summersault to show how glad he felt. 

^^Kow to test the brine,” said Mr. Vanter, as he sent 
the men for a pump and the necessary pipes. But I 
have no doubt, from the fact that the general character 
of this valley is the same from here to Syracuse, that we 
have a fine quality of solution. You have struck it rich, 
Mr. Kimball,” he went on, as the farmer approached, all 
excitement over the news. We have n’t a mine for you, 
but we have something better,” and he told him what had 
taken place. 

Wa’al, I knowed suthin’ good ’d come outen what 
seemed dark prospects at fust,” said the old farmer, call- 
ing to mind the bad news of the loss of his money in the 
railroad shares, and the mortgage foreclosure. I knowed 
suthin’ good ’d come, ’n’ it ’s all along a’ Roger here. I 
sha’n’t forgit it, nuther,” he added, and Roger, fearing 
some one was going to praise him in public, hurried to 
the house. 


CHAPTEK XXV 


THE EAST WEESTLING MATCH 

The Cardiff stage, next day, took to Syracuse three very 
much chagrined and disappointed men, — Mr. Ranquist, 
Mr. Dudley, and their lawyer. They maintained a silence 
as they climbed aboard the lumbering vehicle, early in the 
morning, and the usual crowd that gathered to see the stage 
depart had no words of farewell for the men who had 
sought to take such an unfair advantage of Mr. Kimball. 

G’lang ! ” cried Porter Amidown, cracking his whip, 
and the horses leaped forward with a jingle of harness. 
It was the last Cardiff saw of the conspirators. 

As for the salt well on Mr. KimbalFs farm, it turned 
out better than even Mr. Vanter dared to hope. The brine 
was of a heavy and saturated quality, and, when evapo- 
rated, gave a residue of excellent salt. It compared favor- 
ably with the condiment manufactured in Syracuse, which 
is considered about the best in the world. One day, when 
Roger and Adrian were-at the well, Mr. Vanter told how, 
in his opinion, the salt springs beneath the surface of the 
earth came there. 

Geologists were agreed, he said, that, thousands of years 
ago, the whole Onondaga valley was part of an immense 
sea. This was evidenced by the fossils found in the hills. 


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As the ages passed, there were eruptions and upheavals of 
the earth’s surface. Then the salt water from the sea might 
have been condensed into solid rocks of salt, or the rock 
salt away down deep in the earth might have been brought 
nearer the surface. At any rate, in time, the white crys- 
tals were formed in great masses. Then, beneath the sur- 
face of the ground, there welled up springs of fresh water, 
which dissolved, and held in solution, the salt. "When the 
shaft had been sunk on Mr. Kimball’s land, Mr. Vanter 
said, meaning the small hole Mr. Kanquist had bored with 
his sectional drill, the steel had probably only gone into 
the thin crust of salt, formed over one of the immense and 
deep underground springs. He was thus deluded, as was 
Mr. Vanter himself, into the belief that a mine of rock salt 
had been discovered. 

Mr. Kanquist must have studied the matter up,” said 
Mr. Vanter, and he reasoned that there ought to be salt 
in this section of the country. He found it, hut not as he 
expected. I have no doubt that other farmers in this vicin- 
ity will be just as lucky as Mr. Kimball has been, and will 
strike salt springs on their land.” 

And so it proved. Urged by the example of their neigh- 
bor, many farmers had shafts sunk on their hillsides and, 
in several cases, especially on land near Mr. Kimball’s, 
valuable springs were come upon. The news soon spread 
to all parts of the county, and, shortly, Cardiff was over- 
run with prospectors, and men who wished to buy up all 
the property and develop the salt wells. The owners, under 
^e advice of Mr. Kimball, consulted with Mr. Vanter, 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


239 


who told them all to be cautious about signing away their 
rights. Under the guidance of the surveyor, a corporation, 
called the Pipe Line Salt Company, was formed to work 
the springs, and pump the brine through big black pipes, 
into Syracuse, twelve miles away, where the salt water 
was evaporated, and the resulting crystals purified and 
sold. For his spring-glade Mr. Kimball received thirty- 
five thousand dollars and some shares in the new company, 
which proved very valuable in a short time. 

Of all the persons made glad by the discovery of salt 
in Cardiff, there were none more happy than the two boys, 
Roger and Adrian. Their part in the transactions was 
well known, and they were praised on every side. 

One day, not long after these events, Roger received a 
letter by mail that made him want to stand on his head 
in delight. He raced home from the post-office with the 
missive half read, and burst into the kitchen, where Mrs. 
Kimball and Clara were baking bread. 

Hurrah!” he cried. Father, mother, and baby 
Edward are coming ! They T1 be here day after to- 
morrow. Oh ! But won’t I be glad to see them 1 ” 

Land sakes ! ” cried Mrs. Kimball. Wa’al, now I ’m 
real glad t’ hear it. Mussy sakes, Clara ! We ’ll hev t’ 
double this bakin’,” and she began to bustle about harder 
than ever with the salt-rising bread, while Roger ran to 
tell Adrian the good news. 

How the time did drag until Mr. and Mrs. Anderson 
and the baby arrived on the stage! Roger and Adrian 
were at the gate to meet them, and Roger hugged his 


240 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


mother so tightly that she said he nearly took her breath, 
and was as bad as the bear he wrote about, which treed 
them all in the woods that day. 

How good it was to grasp his father’s hand again ! And 
to bounce baby Edward high into the air, and hear him 
crow and shout in delight ! Roger did n’t know whether 
he was on his head or his feet in the gladness at seeing 
his parents after more than six months’ absence from them. 
Mr. and Mrs. Kimball, Adrian, and Clara gave no less 
enthusiastic greeting to the newcomers, and, altogether, it 
was a jolly time. 

My, but how brown you are, and how you ’ve grown ! ” 
said Roger’s mother to him. 

Wa’al, I calalate he does look a leetle mite more like 
a boy should than when I fust see him,” admitted Mr. 
Kimball. He were kinder white-livered ’n’ spindlin’ 
then. But come inter th’ house er supper ’ll spile, ’n’ I 
know ye don’t want anythin’ like thet t’ happen, ’specially 
ef yer appetites is anythin’ like mine.” 

Such a happy meal as it was. Mr. Anderson told how he 
had, unexpectedly, received a vacation, and had determined 
to use it in coming to see how his son was getting along. 
Of course Mrs. Anderson and the baby must come too. 

’K’ I hope ye kin all stay a year,” said Mr. Kimball, 
heartily. 

Mrs. Kimball was so flustrated,” as she put it, that she 
hardly knew whether she was passing the bread or the 
cake. But every one agreed that she did most excellently, 
and there was so much talking and laughing that nobody 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


241 


seemed to care much whether they ate or not. The day 
was dying off into a perfect evening. The Jime sun was 
sinking down behind the wooded hills. Farmers were 
returning from their fields, tired but happy. The crickets 
and tree-toads were beginning their night songs. Darkness 
was settling down over peaceful Cardiff valley. 

How does it agree with you out here, Hoger ? ” asked 
Mr. Anderson. Do you think you would like to stay ? ” 

Would began Roger. Then he glanced lovingly at 
his father, mother, and the baby. I would, if all of you 
could stay too,” he finished. 

They had come out on the broad stone porch to sit in the 
cool twilight. 

We won’t know how t’ git along ’ithout him,” said 
Mr. Kimball, and then he told all about the salt well, to the 
secret delight of Mr. Anderson, who felt very proud of his 
son. 

I ’m afraid we ’ll have to have Roger back soon, how- 
ever,” said the boy’s father. His school principal came 
to see me the other day, and wanted to know when he 
was coming home to take up his lessons.” 

Books and studies, save such as beautiful Mother ature 
provided, had been almost forgotten by Roger. 

Wa’al,” began Mr. Kimball, when it comes t’ school, 
I ’ve a sort a’ proposition t’ make. Ye see, ef it had n’t bin 
fer Roger, I would n’t ’a’ had any salt spring, ’n’ ’t ain’t 
no more ’n’ common justice thet he should hev a part on it.” 

Uncle Bert ! ” cried Roger. 

Kow, young man,” interposed Mr. Kimball, good- 
ie 


242 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


naturedly, young folks should be seen ’n’ not heard, ye 
know. ’S I were sayin’,” turning to Mr. Anderson, 

Koger ’s got t’ hev some sheers in my salt spring, i^ow 
I bed thought a’ puttin’ a certain sum t’ his credit in th’ 
bank.” 

Mr. Anderson made a gesture of dissent. 

J est wait ’til I git through,” said Mr. Kimball. I 
ain’t give up th’ notion yet, but what I want t’ say is, I 
think Roger ought t’ use part of it t’ go t’ college ’ith. 
That ’s what I ’ve planned t’ do fer Adrian, here, ’cause 
there ain’t nothin’ like eddercation fer a boy, er a man 
either fer thet matter. I did n’t hev no chanst when I 
were young. Hed t’ git out ’n’ hustle on th’ farm when 
I were ten year old, so I know th’ value a’ lamin’. ’N’ t’ 
college my boy goes, now I ’m well enough off t’ send 
him,” and Mr. Kimball clapped his hand down on his 
leg with a report like a small gun. 

I ’m sure I don’t know how to thank you,” began Mr. 
Anderson. I — ” 

Then jest don’t try,” broke in Mr. Kimball, very prac- 
tically. We ’ll consider it all settled.” 

The women folks started to go in the house, while Mr. 
Kimball and Mr. Anderson walked a little way toward the 
road. Presently they heard a great shouting. 

What ’s that ? ” asked Mr. Anderson. 

Reckon it ’s th’ boys, skylarkin’,” replied Mr. Kimball. 

They ’re allers up t’ suthin’ er other.” 

The men walked over toward the sounds, which were 
evidently of mirth. There, under the two big cherry trees 


THE WHITE CRYSTALS 


243 


that stood at the gate, rolling in the sweet grass, were the 
two cousins; and Roger was sitting astride of Adrian, 
shouting at the top of his voice : 

I threw him ! I threw him ! It was a fair fall ! How 
who ’s the best wrestler ? ” 

Yes, but you can’t do it again,” panted Adrian, as he 
struggled unsuccessfully to rise. 

Roger throwed him ! ” cried Mr. Kimball, capering 
about, almost as much pleased over his nephew’s victory 
as Roger himself was. So ye throwed him fair, eh ? 
Wa’al, I told ye we ’d make a Cardiff boy outen ye, ef ye 
stayed long ’nuff. By Gum ! Throwed him good ’n’ proper ! 
How mebby he ’ll think some un ’sides him kin rassal.” 

Well, well, but that ’s a big improvement in Roger,” 
said Mr. Anderson, coming up as the boys resumed their 
feet. He ’s twice as strong as when I sent him up here. 
The air and sunshine of the country have made him what 
he ought to be — a healthy, sturdy boy.” 

The lads clenched again, rolling over and over in the long 
grass. The last vestige of daylight disappeared, the chirp- 
ing of the crickets became louder, the tree-toads croaked 
with stronger voices, and it was night in the valley of 
Cardiff. 


THE END 


STUART SCHUYLER SERIES OF 

Stories of the Revolution 

By JOHN PRESTON TRUE 

Author of “The Iron Star,” etc. 


SCOUTING FOR WASHINGTON 

A Story of the days of Sumter and Tarleton 
Illustrated by Clyde O. De Land. lamo. Cloth. $1.50 

“ Scouting for Washington ” is onr of the most satisfactory of the historical 
stories written especially for young readers. It has no false sentiment, no 
exaggerated adventures, although it is spirited in action and strong in patriotic 
feeling. — Boston Transcript. 


MORGAN’S MEN 

Containing adventures of Stuart 
Schuyler, Captain of Cavalry dur- 
ing the Revolution. Illustrated by 
Lilian Crawford True. lamo. 
Cloth. $1.50 

Both imaginary and historical personages stand 
out clearly, and the boys who read the book will 
know a good deal more about the men who led 
the armies of the Revolution than they are likely 
to find out from any other single book or any 
probable course of reading. — Congregationalist^ 
Boston. 



ON GUARD ! AGAINST TORY AND 
TARLETON 

Further adventures of Stuart Schuyler, Major of Cav- 
alry during the Revolution. Illustrated by Lilian 
Crawford True. lamo. Decorated cloth. $1.50 

The book will make clear to the young reader much of the history of the 
revolution in the southern colonies and give him a lasting picture of its close with 
the surrender of Cornwallis. — Cleveland World. 


LITTLE, BROWN, esf COMPANY, Publishers 

a54 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 



wo RLD’S 

DISCOVERERS 


THE STORY OF BOLD VOYAGES BY BRAVE 
NAVIGATORS DURING A THOUSAND YEARS 

By WILLIAM HENRY JOHNSON 

Author of “The King’s Henchmen,” etc. 

WITH 8 MAPS AND 36 ILLUSTRATIONS 
i2mo. DECORATED CLOTH. PRICE, $1.50 



W HAT child is there that does not feel himself an embryo dis- 
coverer, like Marco Polo, Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, 
and all the seekers of northwest and southwest passages, of the breed 
of Frobisher, Davis, Drake, and the rest of the sea-kings ? Children 
revel in reading about such men, because “ the world is all before them, 
where to choose,” and because all the while it is they themselves who 
are on the quarter-deck as Magellans or Drakes, crying “ Land ho ! ” 
to as yet undiscovered tropic or arctic regions of the globe. — 
Boston Herald (editorial). 


LITTLE, BROWN, AND CO., Publishers 

254 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 


A FRESH, HEALTHY BOOK OF 
OUT-OF-DOOR ADVENTURE 


Gold Seeking 

on the 

Dalton Trail 

BEING THE ADVENTURES 
OF TWO NEW ENGLAND 
BOYS IN ALASKA AND THE 
NORTHWEST TERRITORY 



By 

ARTHUR R. THOMPSON 


Illustrated. i2mo. Decorated cloth, $1.50 


The best presentation that we have had of life in 
the Klondike. — New York Times, 

A good story that will interest every boy, . . . 
Here is not only a new setting for a tale of adven- 
ture, but a certain amount of instruction in an 
attractive form. — New York Tribune. 


LITTLE, BROWN, M COMPANY 

Publishers, 254 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON 


New Illustrated Editions of 
Miss Alcott’s Famous Stories 


LITTLE MEN : Life at Plumfield with Jo’s Boys 

With 15 full-page illustrations by Reginald B. Birch. 

“ Little Men ” has never been given to an admiring public in any form so charming as 
this one. All tliat was needed to make the tale quite irresistible was such illustrations as 
are here supplied, fifteen full-page ones instinct with life and movement and charm. — 
Bostort Budget. 

LITTLE WOMEN : or Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy 

With 15 full-page illustrations by Alice Barber Stephens. 

“ Books may come and books may go, but ‘ Little Women’ still remains the ideal book for 
young girls, the best representation of bright, lovable girlhood,” says the Brooklyn Eagle. 
“ In drawing women of the Civil War period, Alice Barber Stephens is in her element, 
and her illustrations are all that can be desired,” says the Philadelphia Telegraph. 

AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL 

With 12 full-page pictures by Jessie Willcox Smith. 

No better portraits of Polly and Tom could be imagined than those which appear in these 
pages. . . . No book of its lamented author has more endearing qualities. — Boston 
Saturday Evening Gazette. 

JO’S BOYS, and How They Turned Out 

A Sequel to “ Little Men.” With 10 full-page plates by Ellen Wetherald 
Ahrens. 

“ The young folks who have been charmed with Miss Alcott’s previous stories,” says the 
San Francisco Chronicle, “will read ‘Jo’s Boys’ with avidity.” The illustrations are 
in keeping with the spirit of the author. 

EIGHT COUSINS; or, the Aunt-Hill 

With 8 full-page pictures by Harriet Roosevelt Richards. 

The little heroine and her seven cousins are real children. — Providence Journal. 

ROSE IN BLOOM 

A Sequel to “Eight Cousins.” With 8 full-page pictures by Harriet 
Roosevelt Richards. 

The best from its author’s pen since “ Little Women ” was written.— York Evening 
Post. 

CROWN 8 vo. DECORATED CLOTH. $2.00 EACH. 


LITTLE, BROWN, & COMPANY 

Publishers, 154 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 


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